New Jumping Spider Species in Pune’s Baner Hill

A new species of jumping spider, named Okinawicius tekdi, has been discovered by an environmental science student, on Baner hill in Pune.

Key Details

Naming: The species, named Okinawicius tekdi, pays tribute to its discovery site, with “tekdi” meaning "hill" in Marathi.
Scientific Significance: The spider is noted for unique female genital features, differentiating it from previously classified species in the Pseudicius genus, now reclassified into Okinawicius.
Conservation Insight: The discovery as a call to preserve urban biodiversity, as the species has also been spotted near river confluences and on various trees in the region.