Three scientists discover new genus of jumping spiders ‘Tenkana’ in South India

Three scientists discover new genus of jumping spiders ‘Tenkana’ in South India

Sub : Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

• A team of arachnologists has discovered a new genus of jumping spiders, named Tenkana, which is found across southern India. It also introduced a new species, Tenkana jayamangali, identified in Karnataka.
• The research was conducted by a collaborative team from various institutions in India and Canada and findings published in the journal Zookeys.

Tenkana spiders’ Habitat:

• Unlike related species that typically inhabit forest environments, Tenkana spiders are adapted to drier areas and ground habitats.
• Their presence has been confirmed in several regions, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Etymology:

• The name Tenkana is derived from the Kannada word for “south,” signifying that all identified species are endemic to southern India and northern Sri Lanka.
• The newly identified Tenkana jayamangali has been named after the Jayamangali river in Karnataka.

Taxonomy and Classification:

• Tenkana belongs to the Plexippina subtribe of jumping spiders. It is distinct from related genera such as Hyllus and Telamonia.

Research Methodology:

• The research team utilized both genetic studies and physical examinations to establish the characteristics of the new genus.

Species Classification

• The newly established genus Tenkana incorporates two species that were previously classified under the genus Colopsus:
• Tenkana manu: Found in southern India and Sri Lanka, named after retired professor Dr. Manu Thomas in 2014.
• Tenkana arkavathi: Identified in Karnataka.