Newly documented species in India
Rare Wolf Spider Species Spotted in Sundarbans: A newly discovered spider, named Piratula acuminata, has been identified on Sagar Island, situated in the Sundarbans delta. This marks the first recorded presence of the Piratula genus in India, expanding the country’s known range of spider species.
The research, led by experts from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata, emphasizes the biological richness of the region. The species belongs to the Lycosidae family, widely known as wolf spiders.
Appearance and scientific validation
The spider is small to medium in size, about 8 to 10 mm long. Its body shows a pale base tone with dark brown and chalky white markings across the abdomen. Two distinct light brown bands are visible at the back.
It was confirmed as a new species based on microscopic anatomical studies, especially male and female reproductive parts like the sharp basal arm and oval-shaped spermathecae.
About the Piratula genus
Unlike web-weaving spiders, wolf spiders are active ground predators that rely on speed and stealth rather than silk traps to hunt.
While the Piratula genus is common across several Asian countries, it had never been reported from India before. This sighting broadens its geographical footprint and adds to India’s arachnid records.
Static GK fact: The Lycosidae family includes more than 2,400 species across the world, known for their solitary hunting behaviour.
Rich habitat of Sagar Island
Sagar Island, located in the lower Ganga delta, is part of the mangrove-rich Sundarbans ecosystem. The island supports a mix of mudflats, tidal waterways, and dense coastal vegetation that house diverse species.
The discovery of Piratula acuminata reveals how understudied the region’s biodiversity still is. It points to the need for continued scientific exploration.
Static GK Tip: The Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve.
Importance of ecological protection
The fragile ecosystems in the Sundarbans are under constant pressure from climate shifts, rising ocean levels, and developmental encroachments.
Conserving lesser-known organisms like Piratula acuminata plays a key role in preserving ecological stability. Scientists stress that continued habitat monitoring is essential for long-term conservation.
Static GK fact: Nearly 4.5 million people live in the Sundarbans region, making human-wildlife balance a critical challenge.
Researchers and scientific backing
The study was conducted by Dr Souvik Sen and Sudhin P. P. from ZSI Kolkata, alongside Dr Pradeep M. Sankaran from Sacred Heart College, Kerala. Their research appeared in Zootaxa, a peer-reviewed journal specialising in taxonomic documentation.
This finding not only adds to global scientific knowledge but also reinforces the value of systematic biodiversity assessments.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Rare Wolf Spider Species Spotted in Sundarbans:
| Fact | Detail |
| Spider species name | Piratula acuminata |
| Genus recorded first time in India | Piratula |
| Spider family | Lycosidae (wolf spiders) |
| Found in | Sagar Island, Sundarbans |
| Body features | Creamy-white with brown spots and stripes |
| Discovery team | ZSI Kolkata and Sacred Heart College, Cochin |
| Journal of publication | Zootaxa |
| Hunting style | Ground ambush (no web) |
| Threats to Sundarbans | Climate change, sea-level rise, human activity |
| UNESCO status of Sundarbans | World Heritage Site |
