Meghalaya: New spider species named after Garo festival discovered

Guwahati: Meghalaya's vibrant ecosystems continue to reveal hidden wonders. A recent discovery by wildlife biologist Gautam Kadam, a PhD student at Sacred Heart College, Thevara, Kochi, adds to the list: Steriphopus Wangala, a new spider species.

Named after the Garo community's harvest festival, the Wangala Festival (also known as the 100 Drums Festival), this reddish-brown spider with powerful front legs belongs to the Palpimanidae family.

This isn't Kadam's first exciting find in Meghalaya. In April 2023, his research expedition in the state's lush forests led to the discovery of three jumping spider species.

These discoveries, made in remote areas with extensive forest cover like South Garo Hills and South West Khasi Hills, highlight the potential for further exploration. One jumping spider species was found near Eman Asakgre village, while another resided near the picturesque Imilchang waterfall.

Kadam emphasizes the importance of continued research in Meghalaya, which remains relatively unexplored when it comes to spider diversity.

His team's earlier discoveries included a jumping spider named "Habrocestum togansangmai," honoring Garo leader Togan Nengminza Sangma's contribution to India's independence struggle.

Additionally, "Habrocestum emanasakgrensis" and "Habrocestum imilchang" were named after specific locations - Eman Asakgre village and Imilchang waterfall, respectively.

These discoveries, documented in a recent scientific journal, significantly contribute to our understanding of Meghalaya's remarkable biodiversity.