Scientists Identify 32 Himalayan Spiders as New Species With 8.5% DNA Gap From Hawaiian Relative
Updated
Updated · Popular Science · May 19
Scientists Identify 32 Himalayan Spiders as New Species With 8.5% DNA Gap From Hawaiian Relative
4 articles · Updated · Popular Science · May 19
A 2023 survey in Uttarakhand led Indian researchers to identify Theridion himalayana, a newly named Himalayan “happy-face” spider that closely resembles Hawaii’s famed Theridion grallator.
DNA tests showed the Himalayan specimens differ by about 8.5% from the Hawaiian species, confirming they evolved independently despite their nearly identical smile-like abdominal patterns.
Researchers documented 32 spiders from the same species, with males and females showing multiple dot-and-stripe color morphs across the Himalayan population.
The find challenges the long-held assumption that happy-face spiders were unique to Hawaii and points to richer undiscovered biodiversity in the Himalayas.
Scientists still do not know why both species share the unusual back patterns or why both are associated with ginger plants, questions they say need further study.
If a 'Hawaiian' spider lives in the Himalayas, what other biological treasures are still hidden?
Why did evolution paint the same smile on spiders living half a world apart?
What is the secret behind the shared love for ginger plants by these unrelated spiders?