Context
Recently, scientists have identified a new spider species, named Theridion himalayana, adding to the known biodiversity of the Himalayan region.
About Theridion Himalayana
- The species, named Theridion himalayana, was discovered in Rudraprayag district, near the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand.
- It belongs to the Theridiidae
- It has been observed that the species is polymorphic in both males and females, showing around 32 different forms with smiling-face-like patterns made of red, black and white markings.
- Although it resembles the Hawaiian happy-face spider (Theridion grallator), genetic differences of about 8.5% suggest that himalayana is a distinct species that evolved separately in Asia.
- The Hawaiian counterpart is restricted to the Hawaiian island in the United States, while the Himalayan species shows a separate evolutionary lineage compared to related spiders in Europe, Asia, and North America.
- Theridion himalayana can be clearly distinguished through its unique reproductive structures. The spider also has distinctive reproductive anatomy, including long and curved copulatory ducts that run nearly parallel before bending downward.
- Its identification is strongly based on specialised reproductive features, which differ significantly from those of its close relatives.
