Summary:
KOZHIKODE: Researchers have rediscovered a rare spider species which was believed to be extinct. Karsch's inventory was based only on male specimen.Researchers of CATE have now spotted both male and female specimens of the spider species at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS). CATE head Sudhikumar AV, who led the study, said that the spider species was believed to be extinct as it was not found anywhere else after it was first recorded by Karsch. The female spider has iridescent bluish scales present on topside of its head and orange bands on either side of its head while dorsal surface of its abdomen is a shiny bluish black. The rediscovery assumes additional significance as it was the first time that a female specimen was spotted, 150 years after the discovery of the male specimen.The spider belongs to the family of jumping spiders (Salticidae)..