New Genus of Jumping Spiders ‘Tenkana’ Discovered

• 24 Oct 2024

In October, 2024, a team of arachnologists introduced a new genus of jumping spiders called ‘Tenkana,’ found across southern India and northern Sri Lanka. The discovery also included a new species, Tenkana jayamangali, from Karnataka.

Key Points

• New Genus ‘Tenkana’: The new genus was named ‘Tenkana,’ derived from the Kannada word for south, indicating its southern Indian distribution. It includes two previously known species, now reclassified.
• New Species: The research team described Tenkana jayamangali, a new species named after the Jayamangali river in Karnataka, where it was first observed.
• Geographical Distribution: Tenkana spiders have been found in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, preferring drier, ground habitats unlike their forest-dwelling relatives.
• Scientific Collaboration: The research was a collaborative effort between scientists from India and Canada, with contributions from institutions such as the University of British Columbia, Saveetha Institute, and the National Centre for Biological Sciences.
• Reclassification: Two species, previously placed in the genus Colopsus, were moved to Tenkana—Tenkana manu and Tenkana arkavathi.