Three scientists discover new genus of jumping spiders Tenkana in South India

Recently, a team of arachnologists has discovered a new genus of jumping spiders, ‘Tenkana’, found across southern India, encompassing two previously known species. 

• It also introduced a new species, Tenkana jayamangali, from Karnataka.

About Tenkana jayamangali

• It is a newly described species  named after the Jayamangali river in Karnataka, where it was first identified.
• It has been added in  a new genus of Tenkana jumping spiders (Salticidae, Plexippina) from South Asia

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About Tenkana Genus

• New Genus Name: The genus Tenkana is derived from the Kannada word for “south” (Tenkana), reflecting the spiders’ distribution across southern India and northern Sri Lanka.
• The new genus encompasses two previously known species: Tenkana manu and Tenkana arkavathi. These species were earlier classified under the genus Colopsus.
• • Colossus is a genus of Asian jumping spiders
• Geographical Distribution: Tenkana spiders have been found in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, and they thrive in drier habitats and ground areas, unlike their forest-dwelling relatives.
• Scientific Contributions: The team involved scientists from both India and Canada, University of British Columbia, Canada and Saveetha Institute, Chennai.
• Genetic analysis was conducted with Krushnamegh Kunte from the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru.
• Taxonomic Significance:Tenkana belongs to the Plexippina subtribe of jumping spiders. It is distinct from other related groups, such as Hyllus and Telamonia.