Green Lynx Spider

News Excerpt: 

Daryapur-based arachnologist has identified the green lynx spider, which was never discovered earlier.

More about the Green lynx spider

  • The spider species has been named Peucetia chhaparajnirvin, after the area Tal Chhapar in Rajasthan.
  • The specimens have been deposited in the entomology lab at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
  • The spider was found in Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary in Churu district.
  • This spider is found on the green leaves of the Vachellia nilotica (babul) tree. 
  • Their green hue aids in blending within surroundings and ambushing prey, while their long legs allow them to move quickly.
  • This spider is nocturnal and feeds on small insects.
  • Green lynx spiders feed on many species of moths, including some of the most key plant pests. 
  • The spiders hunt several moth species and their larvae, including bollworm moth, leafworm moth, and looper moth.

About Lynx spider:

  • Lynx spider, (family Oxyopidae), any of several groups of active spiders (order Araneida) that do not build a nest or web but capture their prey by pouncing upon them.
  • The lynx spiders are among the major predators of insects occurring in low shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. 
    • They are important predators of plant-damaging insects.
  • Lynx spiders are distributed worldwide and in North America are most common in southern regions. 
  • The eyes are arranged in a hexagon, and the abdomen usually tapers to a point. 

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary:

  • Tal Chhapar, located in Sujangarh tehsil of Churu district of Rajasthan and spans 7.1977 square kilometers.
  • It was established as a “Reserved area” in 1962
  • The sanctuary is home to over 4,500 Blackbucks, Chinkara, and more than 250 species of birds, including migratory raptors 
  • The sanctuary boasts a rich tapestry of rare and endangered flora and fauna, including 
    • The vibrant motha grass, 
    • Elusive red phalarope,
    • Elegant Chinese pond heron, 
    • desert monitor lizard, 
    • the spiny-tailed lizard, and 
    • the endemic Spotted Creeper. 
  • With its diverse perennial species and scattered bushes of thorny desert flora, the sanctuary’s Mothai Grassland provides essential sustenance for its inhabitants. 
  • Additionally, the sanctuary hosts a fascinating array of butterflies, insects, and reptiles, further contributing to its ecological significance.

Book A Free Counseling Session