Nocturnal creature — a ‘rapidly-running’ predator — discovered as new species in India

Aspen Pflughoeft
·2 min read

As the sun set in southern India, a nocturnal predator emerged from its hidden home. The small creature “rapidly” set off across the ground, possibly searching for a meal or a mate.

Nearby scientists watched the speedy animal. It turned out to be a new species.

Researchers visited a forest in Kerala in 2023 for a wildlife survey, according to a study published April 4 in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa.

While there, researchers spotted some nocturnal spiders running “rapidly,” the study said. They captured a few of the small animals and, taking a closer look, realized they’d discovered a new species: Medmassa sagax, or the sharp sac spider.

Sharp sac spiders can reach about a quarter of an inch in length, the study said. They have eight eyes, eight yellowy brown legs and a slightly hairy black body. Photos show the new species.

A Medmassa sagax, or sharp sac spider, on a leaf.
A Medmassa sagax, or sharp sac spider, on a leaf.

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Sharp sac spiders are predators most active at night and were seen “rapidly-running” and hunting, researchers said.

During the day, the new species hides in “silken retreats” built on tree trunks, researchers said. These hideouts are camouflaged to look like lichen and built with two openings “which may increase the spider’s chances of evading potential threats.”

An arrow points to the “silken retreat” of a Medmassa sagax, or sharp sac spider.
An arrow points to the “silken retreat” of a Medmassa sagax, or sharp sac spider.

Researchers said they named the new species after the Latin word “sagax,” meaning “sharp,” after the shape of its pedipalp, an appendage that serves several functions including mating.

So far, the new species has only been found in Kerala, the study said. Kerala is a coastal state in southern India and about 1,600 miles southwest from New Delhi.

A Medmassa sagax, or sharp sac spider, on some wood.
A Medmassa sagax, or sharp sac spider, on some wood.

The new species was identified by its genitalia, behavior, body shape and other subtle physical features, the study said. Researchers did not include a DNA analysis of the new species.

The research team included Pradeep Sankaran, Gautam Kadam and Rishikesh Tripathi. The team also discovered another new species of sac spider: Medmassa postica.

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