New 'Crab Spider' Species Named After 'Telangana': OU

Researchers from Osmania University’s zoology department have discovered a new species of spider in Telangana, the first to be discovered since the formation of the State. In fact the new species has been named the Telangana Crab Spider (Thomisus telanganensis). 

The Telangana Crab Spider specimens were collected from Nagnur in Karimnagar district by the researchers. The species closely resembles a crab spider species Thomisus labefactus - known from Japan. 

The spider belongs to the Thomisidae family, which is characterised by spiders that morphologically resemble crabs. Hence their common name is ‘crab spiders’. These spiders are seen on flowers, where they wait for other insects on which they prey. 

They catch their prey by surprise attack and immobilise them by evenomating by quick sting. These spiders do not build webs and are an important component of the ecosystem, as bio-controlling agents that keep the population of insects under check.

The scientific expedition results have been published in the recent issue of the Journal of Threatened Taxa – an international journal of conservation and taxonomy by PhD Research Scholar GB Pravalikha and Dr Chelmala Srinivasulu, Assistant Professor of Department of Zoology, Osmania University. 

“We take great pride in reporting a new species of animal and naming the same after the Telangana State, honouring the sentiments and sacrifices of our people in achieving the dream,” said the two researchers.