A new species of jumping spider, Carrhotus piperus, has been identified in the lower Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. It brings the number of known Carrhotus species in India to 10, and to 37 globally.
- The spider was discovered on pepper (Piper nigrum) plants, about two metres above the ground.
- The specific epithet, ‘piperus’, is derived from the plant’s generic name, reflecting the spider’s distinctive habitat.
- This discovery not only enhances our understanding of the Carrhotus genus, but also underscores the importance of ongoing research to uncover the rich biodiversity of India’s ecosystem.
- The Palani Hills are an eastern spur of the southern Western Ghats located in Tamil Nadu.
- They are named for the temple town of Palani, which is home to the most important Murugan temple in India.
- The south Indian hill-station of Kodaikanal, the main settlement in the Palanis, has long attracted an eclectic variety of visitors looking for something out of the ordinary in a hill sojourn.
