Carrhotus Piperus

About Carrhotus Piperus:

• It is a new jumping spider species which was found on pepper (Piper nigrum) plants, about two metres above the ground.
• The specific epithet, ‘piperus’, is derived from the plant’s generic name, reflecting the spider’s distinctive habitat.
• This discovery again highlights the region’s rich biodiversity and brings the number of known Carrhotus species in India to 10 and 37 globally. 
• Feature: The spider is distinguishable from its closely related species by its unique prolateral protrusion and beak-shaped embolus, setting it apart from other members of its genus.

Key facts about Palani Hills

• It is an eastward extension of the Western Ghats, in southwestern Tamil Nadu state, southern India.
• The range is a continuation of the Anaimalai Hills in Kerala state.In the south, the hills terminate abruptly in steep slopes.