Jumping Spider | 19 Jun 2025

Source: TH 

Spartaeus karigiri, a newly discovered jumping spider species from Karnataka, marks the first recorded presence of the Spartaeus and Sonoita genera (part of the Spartaeinae subfamily of Salticidae family) in India, previously known only from Southeast Asia and Africa.  

• The species is named after Karigiri, or Elephant Hill of Karnataka. 
• Sonoita cf. lightfooti, previously thought to be confined to Africa, was discovered in Karnataka, suggesting a possible range extension or introduction.  

Jumping Spiders (Spartaeus karigiri) 

• Distribution: Found globally across America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia with abundance in tropical regions. 
• Biodiversity: Salticidae is the largest spider family with 5,000+ species under Order Araneae and Class Arachnida. 
• Physical Traits: Small, fuzzy spiders (<0.5 inch) with 8 eyes, two large front-facing eyes provide high-resolution vision for hunting, navigation, and courtship.  
  • Capable of running, climbing, and jumping, uses a silk dragline for safe landing. 
• Hunting Behavior: Active carnivores that prey on small insects using stalking, mimicry (e.g., ant-like appearance), and camouflage, some species also consume pollen and nectar opportunistically. 
• Jumping Mechanism: Jump over 50 times body length via hydraulic leg pressure, not muscles. 
• Reproduction: Females guard silk-encased egg sacs, spiderlings molt into adults. 
• Notable Species: Euophrys omnisuperstes (Himalayan jumping spider), found at 22,000 ft on Mount Everest, highest known spider habitat.