Pilia malenadu – New Spider Species Discovery

Species: Pilia malenadu

Genus: Pilia (Jumping spider genus ,family Salticidae)

Discovered at: Madhugundi village, Mudigere taluk, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka

Region: Foothills of the Western Ghats

Discovered by: Ajit Padiyar (Naturalist)

Published in: Zootaxa (International taxonomy journal)

Year: 2025

First Pilia genus spider discovered after 123 years (previous in 1902, Kerala).

Both male and female spiders identified for the first time in this genus in India.

Indicates a healthy and undisturbed ecosystem.

Highlights Western Ghats’ biodiversity richness and taxonomic gaps in Indian arachnology.

Total individuals found: 24

• 17 males, 3 females, 4 juveniles

Belongs to Salticidae (jumping spiders) — known for good eyesight and jumping predation.

Shows sexual dimorphism (physical differences between male and female).

Found only on two host plants:

• Memecylon umbellatum

• Memecylon malabaricum

Habitat-specific species → highly dependent on these plants.

Found in moist evergreen forest foothills of Western Ghats.

Bioindicator species: Presence indicates a healthy micro-ecosystem.

Associated discovery: Saffron reedtail (rare damselfly) in same area → supports ecological richness.

Discovery stresses the need to protect microhabitats.

Habitat destruction could lead to extinction due to narrow ecological niche.

Sexual dimorphism refers to differences in physical appearance between males and females of the same species, apart from reproductive organs.

These differences can occur in size, coloration, shape, ornamentation, or behavior.

It is a result of genetic inheritance influenced by evolutionary pressures like sexual selection, natural selection, and resource partitioning.

Birds

• Peacocks: Males have bright, elaborate feathers; females (peahens) are dull-colored for camouflage.

• Birds of Paradise: Males exhibit ornate plumage and display dances to attract females.

Mammals

• Deer: Males possess antlers for fighting rivals.

• Elephant seals: Males are up to 10 times larger than females — used for dominance in harems.

• Lions: Males have manes, possibly for protection and display.

Spiders

• Females are often larger than males; advantageous for egg production and offspring protection.

• Example: In some orb-weaver spiders, females can be many times the size of males.

Insects

• In certain species (e.g., Orygia recens moths), females are wingless while males have wings, aiding in mate search.

• In some beetles, males have large mandibles used in fights.