Russian zoologists identify six new species of huntsman spiders in Southeast Asia

Russian zoologists have described six previously unknown species of Pandercetes huntsman spiders from Southeast Asia and the Australasian region. The findings also mark the first recorded presence of these spiders on Sumatra, in the Philippines and in Laos, according to the researchers.

The study was conducted by Mikhail Omelko Jr. of the Federal Scientific Centre of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Aleksander Fomichev of Altai State University. The researchers also revised historical records, correcting long-standing inaccuracies regarding the geographical distribution of several known Pandercetes species, according to the official website of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The newly described species include P. batak and P. barisanensis from Sumatra, Indonesia; P. cheemai from Laos; and P. mindanaoensis, P. jaegeri and P. bataanensis from the Philippines. The discovery of P. cheemai also extends the known northern limit of the genus.

The research further clarified the taxonomy of Pandercetes by distinguishing it more precisely from closely related genera. In addition, the scientists identified several historical species that remain known only from early written descriptions without illustrations, providing a basis for future taxonomic revision of the group.

The study also offers new insights into the spiders' biology. Pandercetes species inhabit tree trunks and large branches, where they rely on camouflage that resembles bark, moss or lichens. Instead of building webs, they actively hunt insects using keen eyesight and rapid movements, while females protect their egg sacs during development.