Steriphopus Wangala : New Spider Species
A new spider species named Steriphopus wangala has been discovered in Meghalaya.
- Steriphopus Wangala is a newly discovered species of spider from the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.
- It has been named after the Garo community’s harvest festival, the Wangala festival, or the 100 Drums Festival.
- This spider belongs to the Palp-Footed Spider family, characterized by their disproportionately powerful and heavily sclerotized first pair of legs.
- It has a characteristic reddish-brown colour.
- Wangala festival, also known as the 100 drums festival, is a popular festival among the Garos of Meghalaya.
- The Wangala Festival marks the end of the agricultural season. This is followed by thanking the spirits and deities for a bountiful harvest and seeking their blessings for the upcoming year.
- It is the occasion when the tribals offer sacrifices to please their main deity, Saljong, the Sun God.
- It also signifies the onset of winter.
