KOLHAPUR: Researchers have discovered a new species from the genus ‘Conothile’ of the trapdoor spider in Maharashtra.
The spider is named Conothile ogalei, and is the sixth species found in India from the Conothile family. Rajesh Sanap, Swapnil Pawar, Akshay Khandekar and Anuradha Joglekar played an important role in the research of this new species. The finding has been published in ‘Arthropoda Selecta’ Journal on March 29, 2022.
Honorary wildlife warden for Kolhapur and member of the research team Swapnil Pawar said, “There are 34 species from Conothele family across the world out of which six have been recorded in India. In 2016, this Conothele ogalei spider was first spotted by me and my friend Akshay Khandekar in Amboli region.”
He added that later biologist Rajesh Sanap carried out a detail research on it and confirmed that it is a new species. “The species has been named after wildlife researcher Hemant Ogale for his contribution to the conservation work of Amboli,” said Pawar.
Trapdoor spiders are known for their unique house-building properties. These spiders make burrows in the ground which are closed with the help of a door. The door is covered with stones, mud, mulch, etc. so that the trap is not easily visible. Outside the door, the spider spreads its sticky net.
“When a prey comes into the net and gets trapped, vibrations of the net are felt by the spider which is hidden inside the burrow. The spider then comes out and grabs the prey. It is not easy for a prey to escape from this unexpected attack” added Pawar.
