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ZSI Discovers India’s First Piratula Wolf Spider in West Bengal and Two New Culturally Significant Frog Species in Meghalaya.

Environment | Dated: 29 Jul 2025

In July 2025, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) announced the discovery of Piratula acuminata, marking India’s first record of the Piratula genus wolf spider, found in the Sundarbans Delta of West Bengal. Alongside this, two rare and culturally significant frog species—Raorchestes jajoid and Raorchestes jadoh—were discovered in the hilly terrain of Meghalaya, highlighting India’s unique biodiversity.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - India’s First Piratula Wolf Spider Discovered in Sundarbans Delta: The newly identified species Piratula acuminata belongs to the Lycosidae family, also known as wolf spiders. This marks the first documentation of the Piratula genus in India, a genus previously known only in Asia, Europe, and North America.
  • - The species was discovered in Sagar Island, located in the Sundarbans Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in West Bengal. It adds to the ecological richness of this mangrove ecosystem, which already supports tigers, estuarine crocodiles, and unique invertebrates.
  • - The spider measures approximately 8–10 mm in body length, with distinctive pale-cream coloring, chalk-white abdominal spots, and light-brown striping on the rear, aiding in camouflage within its wetland habitat.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The formal discovery of Piratula acuminata was published in the international journal Zootaxa on July 7, 2025, by the ZSI team, adding to the institution’s legacy of pioneering taxonomic work in India.
  • (ii) Discovery of Two Culturally Important Frogs in Meghalaya: The newly identified frog species Raorchestes jajoid and Raorchestes jadoh were recorded in East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya by researchers Warjri and Madhurima Das from Assam Don Bosco University. These species were published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa.
  • (iii) Frogs Named After Khasi Culture and Topography: Raorchestes jadoh is named after ‘Jadoh’, a Khasi dish made of rice and meat, while Raorchestes jajoid derives its name from the Khasi word ‘Jakoid’, meaning frog. Raorchestes jajoid was found at 815 metres above sea level near Laitryngew, and Raorchestes jadoh was found at 1,655 metres above sea level near Langtor.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered India’s first Piratula wolf spider in which region of West Bengal?

Correct Answer: Sundarbans Delta

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Meghalaya

  • Chief Minister (CM) : Conrad Sangma
  • Governor : Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar