The Story
“Scientists describe a new fishing spider species”
https://india.mongabay.com/2026/01/scientists-describe-a-new-fishing-spider-species/
by Rohini Karandikar
Mongabay, January 13, 2026
The Pitch
The first scientific report from India on the discovery of a fishing spider species– Dolomedes indicus sp.nov. from the Western Ghats in Kerala reveals unique features and habitat requirements of the spider from both the male and female sexes of the genus Dolomedes.
Researchers from the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) captured 17 spiders from a running stream near Lakkidi, Wayanad, and conducted anatomical, molecular, and phylogenetic studies. They also maintained some spiders in the laboratory to monitor their feeding behaviour and life cycle.
Researchers discuss adaptations such as hydrophobic hair along its body—an adaptation for semi-aquatic habitat and fast-swimming movement. The spider’s survival depends on a pristine environment with slow-moving, shallow streams and a critical temperature range of 18-24℃. Unlike some spiders that spin a web to capture prey, the fishing spider spins a single silk thread that it uses as an anchor to hold itself on a rock or a substratum. It senses the presence of prey through subtle movements in the slow-flowing water. Even slight movements in the water can trigger the spiders into a predatory mode.
I had the opportunity to briefly discuss the findings with the corresponding author, Dr Jithu Unni Krishnan. He described the initial challenges in locating the fishing spider and, later, how the fishing spider was surprisingly observed close to an eco-resort, which is also a region of frequent human activities.
In the paper, researchers mention the potential of the fishing spider as an indicator species. The survival requirements of the spider are vulnerable to the changes driven by the climate crisis. Despite the critical requirements of the spider, its discovery from an ecotourism spot in Wayanad makes an interesting case to also discuss conservation efforts.
I would like to write a news story for Mongabay India, highlighting the motivation behind the discovery, key findings from the study, and the evolutionary history of the fishing spider. The story will elaborate on the potential of the fishing spider as an indicator species.
I am a biologist-turned science communicator and educator. I have previously published a story based on research from Dr Unni Krishnan’s group.
For insights, I will have an in-depth discussion with Dr Jithu Unni Krishnan, the corresponding author, and Arjun Cherukutty, the first author of the paper. I will also contact an independent expert for comments.