Pune: Researchers have found a new species of jumping spider on Baner hill, yet again highlighting the region's rich biodiversity and the need to protect the city's natural landscapes. The spider has been named Okinawicius tekdi , after the Marathi word for hill, and takes the number of jumping spiders in India to 326. The researchers observed the spider on ficus and plumeria trees — common on Baner hill — and documented its behaviour and habitat between Jan and April before confirming it as a new species.
A spider species was last discovered in Pune over 30 years ago. The species was first described by Atharva Kulkarni, an MSc student in environmental science from MIT-World Peace University in Pune, and Rishikesh Tripathi from Christ College in Kerala. They were guided by MIT-WPU's Dr Pankaj Koparde and Christ College's Dr AV Sudhikumar.
Their study was published in the Journal of Arachnology, an international peer-reviewed journal, on Monday. "We are thrilled to have discovered Okinawicius tekdi," said Kulkarni. "The species is closer to O.
takarensis but has significant morphological differentiation. It was observed on trees with thick branches and dense foliage, specifically Plumeria, Ficus, and Morinda. We also found it at the Ram-Mula confluence area recently, having a similar habitat.
" This discovery brings renewed attention to the richness of urban biodiversity in India and underlines the importance of preserving urban green spaces that support a variety of flora .