New Trapdoor Spider Species Discovered in Kolhapur Grasslands

Recently, researchers discovered a new trapdoor spider species named Titanidiops kolhapurensis.

• The species, locally called “darkari koli”, is identified by its unique tooth structure, eye arrangement and its ability to build camouflaged, hinged-door burrows in grassy meadows.
• It has been recorded in limited pockets such as Shivaji University campus, Shenda Park, Kolhapur Chitranagari and Puikhadi hill.
• The spider prefers natural forests and native grasslands and is largely absent from areas dominated by exotic tree plantations.
• Researchers warn that rapid habitat degradation due to urbanisation, agriculture and non-native plantations puts the newly discovered species at risk of local ....