Pune 4th May 2026: In a significant boost to India’s biodiversity, researchers have discovered a new species of jumping spider in an urban biodiversity park in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune. The species has been named ‘Mogrus Pune’ in honor of the city, marking a rare recognition of an urban ecosystem in scientific taxonomy.
The discovery was part of a broader study conducted in the semi-arid regions of western India, where researchers documented four new species belonging to the Mogrus genus.
Along with Mogrus Pune, the newly identified species include Mogrus Shushk, Mogrus Rajasthanicus, and Mogrus Larisae from Rajasthan’s Desert National Park.
The research was carried out by a team including Hrishikesh Tripathi, Gautam Kadam, Atharva Kulkarni, Dhruv Prajapati, Theresa Joy Asha, Ashish Kumar Jangid, and Ambalaparambil Vasu Sudhikumar, and has been published in the European Journal of Taxonomy.
The spider was first spotted on May 31, 2024, during a biodiversity survey at the Alpha Laval Biodiversity Park in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Despite increasing urbanization in the surrounding areas, the park has preserved a natural habitat that supports diverse species.
The spider was observed on babul and Apta trees before being studied in detail under a microscope for accurate classification.
After nearly two years of detailed scientific analysis, the species has now received international recognition. The Mogrus genus is known for its unique hunting behavior, as these spiders do not build webs but instead rely on sharp vision and agile jumps to catch prey.
They are also beneficial to agriculture, as they help control harmful insects and act as natural pest regulators, especially in dry and thorny environments.
This discovery highlights the ecological value of preserving green spaces within rapidly growing cities like Pune and reinforces the importance of continued biodiversity research in urban landscapes.
