New Spider Species Mimics Bird Droppings

In September 2024, a new spider species, Phrynarachne decipiens, known for its bird droppings mimicry, has been newly identified in India, expanding the country’s arachnid diversity.

Key Points:

Discovery Locations: Phrynarachne decipiens, previously found in Malaysia, Java, and Sumatra, has been recorded for the first time in India, specifically in Assam's Sonapur and the Chirang Reserve Forest.
Research Team: A team of zoologists from Pragjyotish College, Gauhati University, and Bodoland University documented the spider’s presence and described it in the journal Acta Arachnologica, published by Japan’s Arachnological Society.
Spider Characteristics: The bird dung crab spider grows to about 13.14 mm in length and uses its bird droppings mimicry to blend into its surroundings, making it extremely difficult to spot.
Phrynarachne Genus Update: With the addition of Phrynarachne decipiens, the Phrynarachne genus now includes 35 species. Prior to this discovery, India had already recorded three species from this genus.