GREEN MINUTE NEWS:
A rare spider of the genus Idiops constructor from the Idiopidae family has been found in Karnataka, India. It is named as “Trapdoor Spider” as it cleverly constructs trapdoors to ambush its prey from beneath them.
Manjunath S Nayak, a biodiversity researcher discovered the Trapdoor Spider on March 24 at 8.30 in the night. This rare and unique spider was seen in the vicinity of Muganahunse village at Chelurhoo of Gubbi taluk in Tumakuru district, Karnataka. The size of the Trapdoor Spider ranges from 1.5 inches to 2 inches.
In fact, this species is found in coastal and Malnad region. However, this was found in a residential area and that too in a semi-Malnad area. Their habitat in Malnad is usually the steep slopes of forested hills or highly camouflaged burrows on the terraced roads.
The Trapdoor Spiders build tubular nests and live in nests. The nests have a beautiful circular lid. The name Nelagumma (in Kannada) is derived from the hair on its body and the way it hunts, while the name is derived from its characteristics of hiding in a ground burrow. Usually, they mate at night. This species was found in a residential area.
These spiders are expert hunters and hunt frogs, lizards, mice, small birds and insects. Since the spider’s body is larger than other spiders, it is difficult for them to flee to distant areas except hide in the nest when danger arises. When a minor problem is noticed, they straighten their hair and make special noises.
THREATS TO TRAPDOOR SPIDERS
With the ongoing forest diversion activities and continuing development plans for construction of two-lane and four-lane roads, this rare species of spider is losing its habitat. Apart from this, many people believe that killing this spider can cure certain diseases and placing a sick person in front of it and worshipping, it will cure the disease.
In some areas, to overcome the monthly difficulties in menstruating girls, the nelagumma/nelakiriba is held alive, tied in the amulet and tied around the neck of the girl child. These are all superstitions and myths prevailing in rural areas. Others kill it, if they think it is venomous.
Further, this species forms a hollow-shaped nest though which rainwater enter through these trenches, thereby, conserving the ground water naturally. They maintain ecological balance from controlling various kinds of pests by feeding on insects that are harmful to farmers as also forest trees.
So, it becomes imperative to create awareness among the public about the importance of spiders and other insects. Earlier, a rare scorpion spider/solitary spider/sun spider was discovered by a team in Chelur. In this background, a lot of research papers has been published by Dr Abhijit A P C who heads the Saaliga team in Mysuru district, Karnataka and this is indeed commendable.
(PHOTO CREDIT: ALL IMAGES EXCEPT 2 ARE BY MANJUNATH M S)