Sanjay Keshari Das | GGSIPU (original) (raw)

Papers by Sanjay Keshari Das

Research paper thumbnail of Description of a new genus and five new species of tube-dwelling spider family Segestriidae (Araneae: Synspermiata) from Odisha, India

Zootaxa, 2021

The six-eyed spider family Segestriidae is poorly documented from India, with only five species b... more The six-eyed spider family Segestriidae is poorly documented from India, with only five species belonging to two genera. Here we describe a new genus, Indoseges gen. nov. with five new spp. viz. I. malkhangiri sp. nov., I. sushildutta sp. nov., I. chilika sp. nov., I. narayani sp. nov. and I. satkosia sp. nov. from Odisha. The first two spp. are described based on both male and female specimens and the rest on females only. The new genus resembles the genus Ariadna Audouin, 1826; still, males differ with respect to first leg spines, shape and position of apophysis and in the palp structure, and females having distinct spination in palp tarsi and femur of first two legs, and in the genitalia structure. Along with a distribution map of the Segestriids of India this paper also provides natural history information about the new genus, a discussion on its relationship with Ariadna, and the putative synapomorphies that define its placement in the subfamily Ariadninae.

Research paper thumbnail of FIGURE 14 in Description of a new genus and five new species of tube-dwelling spider family Segestriidae (Araneae: Synspermiata) from Odisha, India

FIGURE 14. Indoseges narayani sp. nov. ♀: A–C (IPU-17-ARA-952), A, C. Internal genitalia ventral ... more FIGURE 14. Indoseges narayani sp. nov. ♀: A–C (IPU-17-ARA-952), A, C. Internal genitalia ventral view, B, D. Same lateral view; Scale for A–D=0.2mm.

Research paper thumbnail of FIGURE 7 in Description of a new genus and five new species of tube-dwelling spider family Segestriidae (Araneae: Synspermiata) from Odisha, India

FIGURE 7. Indoseges sushildutta sp. nov. ♂: A–B (IPU-17-ARA-560), A. Left leg Iventroretrolateral... more FIGURE 7. Indoseges sushildutta sp. nov. ♂: A–B (IPU-17-ARA-560), A. Left leg Iventroretrolateral view, B. Same ventrop- rolateral view; C–E SEM images, C. Right leg Iventroprolateral view, D. Right leg IV showing preening comb, E. Claws; Scale for A, B=1 mm, C=0.50mm, D, E=0.20mm.

Research paper thumbnail of DNA sequence monomorphism of Indian spiny-tailed lizard Saara hardwickii suggests urgent conservation

Journal of entomology and zoology studies, 2018

The present study was carried out from January to June 2016 in Rajasthan that aimed to sequence t... more The present study was carried out from January to June 2016 in Rajasthan that aimed to sequence the 16S rRNA gene of S. hardwickii to trace genetic variation. Non-invasive molecular techniques were used to isolate DNA from fecal matter. The sequences were edited and assembled using SeqMan computer program, aligned with six global sequences following Clustal W algorithm to ascertain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA v6.0 with 1000 bootstrap replicates. Multiple sequence alignment with global sequences showed single bp changes at four positions in Indian and two global samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed shared ancestry between Indian and these two global samples with indels at seven bp positions 126-128 (insertion) and 249-252 (deletion), and largely due to the movement of specimens involved in illegal trading. The study though short term, quite promising and revealed monomorphic nature of Indian isolates that ...

Research paper thumbnail of Heavy Metals Assessment in Urban Air of National Capital Region of Delhi Using Spider Webs as Bioindicator

Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Preliminary Checklist of Spiders of Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan with First Record of Ptocasius Strupifer Simon, 1901 (Araneae: Salticidae) from India

Research paper thumbnail of Three new species of <i>Idiops</i> Perty, 1833 (Araneae: Idiopidae) from India

Zootaxa, 2013

Three new species of the front-eyed trapdoor genus Idiops, viz., Idiops joida sp. nov. from the W... more Three new species of the front-eyed trapdoor genus Idiops, viz., Idiops joida sp. nov. from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, I. mettupalayam sp. nov. from the foothills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and I. oriya sp. nov. from Odhisa, are described. Natural history information for all these species is provided as is an identification key to Idiops species from South andSoutheast Asia.

Research paper thumbnail of If habitat heterogeneity is effective for conservation of butterflies in urban landscapes of Delhi, India?’ Unethical publication based on data manipulation

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Ecological observations on the Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard Saara hardwickii (Gray, 1827) (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) in Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2013

Observations on the Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard Saara hardwickii (Gray, 1827) were undertaken in T... more Observations on the Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard Saara hardwickii (Gray, 1827) were undertaken in Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India during the monsoons (July) following quadrat sampling that was time-constrained. The study revealed that the area is one of the preferable habitats for the species. A population analysis showed that the relative abundance of the subadults was higher, followed by juveniles and adults during the study period. The beginning of activity of the lizards was found to vary over the study period depending on prevailing weather conditions. The activity pattern was bimodal, except across rain events. The study revealed two important ecological findings about these lizards; complete sealing of burrow during rains which differed from partial sealing on normal days and complete diurnal cycle of body colour changes during the monsoon. Feeding was the predominant activity of this lizard followed by basking, resting and chasing each other. The adult lizards were found to be strictly herbivorous, in spite of an abundance of insects available in the area during the period. Subadults and juveniles were found to eat both plant parts, as well as insects. Microhabitat use such as inside grass clumps was found to be higher followed by barren ground, under shade and on stones.

Research paper thumbnail of Short communication AN UNUSUAL OBSERVATION ON SEARCHING FOR A MISSING YOUNG ONE AND PARENTAL PROVISIONING IN PURPLE

Abstract: Here we provide an observation on searching by the parents of purple sunbird (Nectarini... more Abstract: Here we provide an observation on searching by the parents of purple sunbird (Nectarinia asiaticus Latham, 1790) for their missing young one followed by parental provisioning by them. This case was unusual as both the parents were searching the young one even after one day past and the female parent fed the young one freely sitting on the hand of the young bird’s care taker. The observation also confirms that both the parents of this bird provide parental care. The juvenile bird was reaching the fledging stage and in the entire observation it was fed by the female parent alone; that supports that the male parent withdraws himself from feeding activity as the young reaches the fledging state.

Research paper thumbnail of First report of cobweb spider Phycosoma altum (Keyserling, 1886) from Asia

Journal of entomology and zoology studies, 2016

The cobweb spider Phycosoma altum was previously reported from Mexico to Brazil and Hawaii. In th... more The cobweb spider Phycosoma altum was previously reported from Mexico to Brazil and Hawaii. In this paper, we report male of P. altum from India and with this report the distribution range of this species extends from America to Asia. Taxonomic description of the male is provided here along with the natural history information.

Research paper thumbnail of Notes on unusual behavioural ecology of Acanthodactylus cantoris feeding on Bufoniceps laungwalaensis

Abstract: Acanthodactylus cantoris feeding on Bufoniceps laungwalaensis in the interdunal area of... more Abstract: Acanthodactylus cantoris feeding on Bufoniceps laungwalaensis in the interdunal area of barren sand dunes of Sam of the Desert National Park, Rajasthan is reported here. This reporting is unusual as A. cantoris is strictly insectivorous. The incidence is an evidence for interspecific feeding behaviour among lizards and supports the fact that A . cantoris is opportunistic and shows food preference, also in accordance with ‘ prey-size threshold rule’.

Research paper thumbnail of Myrmecophagy by a jumping spider (Araneae: Salticidae: Hyllus semicupreus), feeding on a red weaver ant queen (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Oecophylla smaragdina

PECKHAMIA, 2022

The arboreal red weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius 1775) lives primarily in the canopie... more The arboreal red weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius 1775) lives primarily in the canopies of mango plants (Mangifera indica) and is widely distributed in the Northern districts of Odisha, India (Bharti et al. 2016; Jena et al. 2020). The red weaver ant is highly aggressive in nature, preying on a wide range of species to include insects, spiders, earthworms, centipedes, and millipedes (Peng & Christian 2005; Gathalkar & Barsagade 2016; Jena et al. 2020). In spite of its predation on a large number of insect species in its territory, it can be hunted by some jumping spider species. Alate males and females, and females without the protection of a nest and colony (Figures 1-2) are particularly vulnerable to predators.

Research paper thumbnail of A preliminary report on the bat (Chiropteran: Mammalia) fauna of Sariska National Park, Rajasthan, India

International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies, 2015

More than 1125 bat species are found worldwide and India supports 119 species; of which 26 specie... more More than 1125 bat species are found worldwide and India supports 119 species; of which 26 species are reported from Rajasthan. In Rajasthan, except Thar desert portion, documentation of this faunal group is either lacking or very poor in other parts of Rajasthan including Sariska National Park, Alwar. The present study reports 3 bat species from Sariska National Park that provides baseline data about chiropteran fauna of this Protected Area. With this reporting the chiropteran fauna of Alwar district also goes up to 8 species.

Research paper thumbnail of Moth (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) Fauna of Delhi with Notes on Their Role as Potential Agricultural Pests

The present study deals with moth inventory in Delhi carried out from 2014 to 2015. During the st... more The present study deals with moth inventory in Delhi carried out from 2014 to 2015. During the study 36 species of moths belonging to 31 genera and 7 families were added to the existing moth fauna of Delhi. After the present study, the moth fauna of Delhi comprises a total of 47 species belonging to 42 genera and 9 families. Among these, species richness was found to be highest for family Noctuidae (17 spp.) followed by Erebidae (11 spp.) and Sphingidae (6 spp.). The paper also provides information about moths acting as potential agricultural pests of common vegetables and crops of Delhi region based on secondary data.

Research paper thumbnail of Taxonomy, population status and ecology of Indian desert monitor lizard Varanus griseus koniecznyi Mertens 1954 in the Thar desert of Rajasthan

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences

Research paper thumbnail of Habitat Suitability Analysis of Indian Desert Monitor (Varanus griseus koniecznyi Mertens, 1954) in Thar Desert of Rajasthan Using Geo-spatial Technology

International Journal of Zoological Research

Research paper thumbnail of Reply to response: Spiders of Odisha

Journal of Threatened Taxa

Research paper thumbnail of A new trapdoor spider species of the genus Idiops Perty, 1833 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Idiopidae) from Odisha, India

Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity

Research paper thumbnail of Spiders of Odisha: a preliminary checklist

Journal of Threatened Taxa

The present checklist of spiders of Odisha is the result of the compilation of all published lite... more The present checklist of spiders of Odisha is the result of the compilation of all published literature on spiders and primary data collected during the present study carried out from July 2016 to March 2017 in Odisha. A total of 138 species of spiders belonging to 95 genera and 33 families were recorded in the present study. Of which, seven families, 36 genera and 80 species of spiders were reported for the first time from Odisha. Of these 80 species, 78 spider species were exclusively reported from the Eastern Ghats of Odisha. With this study, spider diversity of Odisha comprised of 248 species belonging to 139 genera and 39 families. Whereas, Eastern Ghats of Odisha comprised of 181 species belonging to 109 genera and 35 families. Of total spiders from Odisha, 23 species were found to be endemic to southern Asia, 49 species endemic to India and 19 species endemic to Odisha.

Research paper thumbnail of Description of a new genus and five new species of tube-dwelling spider family Segestriidae (Araneae: Synspermiata) from Odisha, India

Zootaxa, 2021

The six-eyed spider family Segestriidae is poorly documented from India, with only five species b... more The six-eyed spider family Segestriidae is poorly documented from India, with only five species belonging to two genera. Here we describe a new genus, Indoseges gen. nov. with five new spp. viz. I. malkhangiri sp. nov., I. sushildutta sp. nov., I. chilika sp. nov., I. narayani sp. nov. and I. satkosia sp. nov. from Odisha. The first two spp. are described based on both male and female specimens and the rest on females only. The new genus resembles the genus Ariadna Audouin, 1826; still, males differ with respect to first leg spines, shape and position of apophysis and in the palp structure, and females having distinct spination in palp tarsi and femur of first two legs, and in the genitalia structure. Along with a distribution map of the Segestriids of India this paper also provides natural history information about the new genus, a discussion on its relationship with Ariadna, and the putative synapomorphies that define its placement in the subfamily Ariadninae.

Research paper thumbnail of FIGURE 14 in Description of a new genus and five new species of tube-dwelling spider family Segestriidae (Araneae: Synspermiata) from Odisha, India

FIGURE 14. Indoseges narayani sp. nov. ♀: A–C (IPU-17-ARA-952), A, C. Internal genitalia ventral ... more FIGURE 14. Indoseges narayani sp. nov. ♀: A–C (IPU-17-ARA-952), A, C. Internal genitalia ventral view, B, D. Same lateral view; Scale for A–D=0.2mm.

Research paper thumbnail of FIGURE 7 in Description of a new genus and five new species of tube-dwelling spider family Segestriidae (Araneae: Synspermiata) from Odisha, India

FIGURE 7. Indoseges sushildutta sp. nov. ♂: A–B (IPU-17-ARA-560), A. Left leg Iventroretrolateral... more FIGURE 7. Indoseges sushildutta sp. nov. ♂: A–B (IPU-17-ARA-560), A. Left leg Iventroretrolateral view, B. Same ventrop- rolateral view; C–E SEM images, C. Right leg Iventroprolateral view, D. Right leg IV showing preening comb, E. Claws; Scale for A, B=1 mm, C=0.50mm, D, E=0.20mm.

Research paper thumbnail of DNA sequence monomorphism of Indian spiny-tailed lizard Saara hardwickii suggests urgent conservation

Journal of entomology and zoology studies, 2018

The present study was carried out from January to June 2016 in Rajasthan that aimed to sequence t... more The present study was carried out from January to June 2016 in Rajasthan that aimed to sequence the 16S rRNA gene of S. hardwickii to trace genetic variation. Non-invasive molecular techniques were used to isolate DNA from fecal matter. The sequences were edited and assembled using SeqMan computer program, aligned with six global sequences following Clustal W algorithm to ascertain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA v6.0 with 1000 bootstrap replicates. Multiple sequence alignment with global sequences showed single bp changes at four positions in Indian and two global samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed shared ancestry between Indian and these two global samples with indels at seven bp positions 126-128 (insertion) and 249-252 (deletion), and largely due to the movement of specimens involved in illegal trading. The study though short term, quite promising and revealed monomorphic nature of Indian isolates that ...

Research paper thumbnail of Heavy Metals Assessment in Urban Air of National Capital Region of Delhi Using Spider Webs as Bioindicator

Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Preliminary Checklist of Spiders of Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan with First Record of Ptocasius Strupifer Simon, 1901 (Araneae: Salticidae) from India

Research paper thumbnail of Three new species of <i>Idiops</i> Perty, 1833 (Araneae: Idiopidae) from India

Zootaxa, 2013

Three new species of the front-eyed trapdoor genus Idiops, viz., Idiops joida sp. nov. from the W... more Three new species of the front-eyed trapdoor genus Idiops, viz., Idiops joida sp. nov. from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, I. mettupalayam sp. nov. from the foothills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and I. oriya sp. nov. from Odhisa, are described. Natural history information for all these species is provided as is an identification key to Idiops species from South andSoutheast Asia.

Research paper thumbnail of If habitat heterogeneity is effective for conservation of butterflies in urban landscapes of Delhi, India?’ Unethical publication based on data manipulation

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Ecological observations on the Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard Saara hardwickii (Gray, 1827) (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) in Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2013

Observations on the Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard Saara hardwickii (Gray, 1827) were undertaken in T... more Observations on the Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard Saara hardwickii (Gray, 1827) were undertaken in Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India during the monsoons (July) following quadrat sampling that was time-constrained. The study revealed that the area is one of the preferable habitats for the species. A population analysis showed that the relative abundance of the subadults was higher, followed by juveniles and adults during the study period. The beginning of activity of the lizards was found to vary over the study period depending on prevailing weather conditions. The activity pattern was bimodal, except across rain events. The study revealed two important ecological findings about these lizards; complete sealing of burrow during rains which differed from partial sealing on normal days and complete diurnal cycle of body colour changes during the monsoon. Feeding was the predominant activity of this lizard followed by basking, resting and chasing each other. The adult lizards were found to be strictly herbivorous, in spite of an abundance of insects available in the area during the period. Subadults and juveniles were found to eat both plant parts, as well as insects. Microhabitat use such as inside grass clumps was found to be higher followed by barren ground, under shade and on stones.

Research paper thumbnail of Short communication AN UNUSUAL OBSERVATION ON SEARCHING FOR A MISSING YOUNG ONE AND PARENTAL PROVISIONING IN PURPLE

Abstract: Here we provide an observation on searching by the parents of purple sunbird (Nectarini... more Abstract: Here we provide an observation on searching by the parents of purple sunbird (Nectarinia asiaticus Latham, 1790) for their missing young one followed by parental provisioning by them. This case was unusual as both the parents were searching the young one even after one day past and the female parent fed the young one freely sitting on the hand of the young bird’s care taker. The observation also confirms that both the parents of this bird provide parental care. The juvenile bird was reaching the fledging stage and in the entire observation it was fed by the female parent alone; that supports that the male parent withdraws himself from feeding activity as the young reaches the fledging state.

Research paper thumbnail of First report of cobweb spider Phycosoma altum (Keyserling, 1886) from Asia

Journal of entomology and zoology studies, 2016

The cobweb spider Phycosoma altum was previously reported from Mexico to Brazil and Hawaii. In th... more The cobweb spider Phycosoma altum was previously reported from Mexico to Brazil and Hawaii. In this paper, we report male of P. altum from India and with this report the distribution range of this species extends from America to Asia. Taxonomic description of the male is provided here along with the natural history information.

Research paper thumbnail of Notes on unusual behavioural ecology of Acanthodactylus cantoris feeding on Bufoniceps laungwalaensis

Abstract: Acanthodactylus cantoris feeding on Bufoniceps laungwalaensis in the interdunal area of... more Abstract: Acanthodactylus cantoris feeding on Bufoniceps laungwalaensis in the interdunal area of barren sand dunes of Sam of the Desert National Park, Rajasthan is reported here. This reporting is unusual as A. cantoris is strictly insectivorous. The incidence is an evidence for interspecific feeding behaviour among lizards and supports the fact that A . cantoris is opportunistic and shows food preference, also in accordance with ‘ prey-size threshold rule’.

Research paper thumbnail of Myrmecophagy by a jumping spider (Araneae: Salticidae: Hyllus semicupreus), feeding on a red weaver ant queen (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Oecophylla smaragdina

PECKHAMIA, 2022

The arboreal red weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius 1775) lives primarily in the canopie... more The arboreal red weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius 1775) lives primarily in the canopies of mango plants (Mangifera indica) and is widely distributed in the Northern districts of Odisha, India (Bharti et al. 2016; Jena et al. 2020). The red weaver ant is highly aggressive in nature, preying on a wide range of species to include insects, spiders, earthworms, centipedes, and millipedes (Peng & Christian 2005; Gathalkar & Barsagade 2016; Jena et al. 2020). In spite of its predation on a large number of insect species in its territory, it can be hunted by some jumping spider species. Alate males and females, and females without the protection of a nest and colony (Figures 1-2) are particularly vulnerable to predators.

Research paper thumbnail of A preliminary report on the bat (Chiropteran: Mammalia) fauna of Sariska National Park, Rajasthan, India

International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies, 2015

More than 1125 bat species are found worldwide and India supports 119 species; of which 26 specie... more More than 1125 bat species are found worldwide and India supports 119 species; of which 26 species are reported from Rajasthan. In Rajasthan, except Thar desert portion, documentation of this faunal group is either lacking or very poor in other parts of Rajasthan including Sariska National Park, Alwar. The present study reports 3 bat species from Sariska National Park that provides baseline data about chiropteran fauna of this Protected Area. With this reporting the chiropteran fauna of Alwar district also goes up to 8 species.

Research paper thumbnail of Moth (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) Fauna of Delhi with Notes on Their Role as Potential Agricultural Pests

The present study deals with moth inventory in Delhi carried out from 2014 to 2015. During the st... more The present study deals with moth inventory in Delhi carried out from 2014 to 2015. During the study 36 species of moths belonging to 31 genera and 7 families were added to the existing moth fauna of Delhi. After the present study, the moth fauna of Delhi comprises a total of 47 species belonging to 42 genera and 9 families. Among these, species richness was found to be highest for family Noctuidae (17 spp.) followed by Erebidae (11 spp.) and Sphingidae (6 spp.). The paper also provides information about moths acting as potential agricultural pests of common vegetables and crops of Delhi region based on secondary data.

Research paper thumbnail of Taxonomy, population status and ecology of Indian desert monitor lizard Varanus griseus koniecznyi Mertens 1954 in the Thar desert of Rajasthan

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences

Research paper thumbnail of Habitat Suitability Analysis of Indian Desert Monitor (Varanus griseus koniecznyi Mertens, 1954) in Thar Desert of Rajasthan Using Geo-spatial Technology

International Journal of Zoological Research

Research paper thumbnail of Reply to response: Spiders of Odisha

Journal of Threatened Taxa

Research paper thumbnail of A new trapdoor spider species of the genus Idiops Perty, 1833 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Idiopidae) from Odisha, India

Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity

Research paper thumbnail of Spiders of Odisha: a preliminary checklist

Journal of Threatened Taxa

The present checklist of spiders of Odisha is the result of the compilation of all published lite... more The present checklist of spiders of Odisha is the result of the compilation of all published literature on spiders and primary data collected during the present study carried out from July 2016 to March 2017 in Odisha. A total of 138 species of spiders belonging to 95 genera and 33 families were recorded in the present study. Of which, seven families, 36 genera and 80 species of spiders were reported for the first time from Odisha. Of these 80 species, 78 spider species were exclusively reported from the Eastern Ghats of Odisha. With this study, spider diversity of Odisha comprised of 248 species belonging to 139 genera and 39 families. Whereas, Eastern Ghats of Odisha comprised of 181 species belonging to 109 genera and 35 families. Of total spiders from Odisha, 23 species were found to be endemic to southern Asia, 49 species endemic to India and 19 species endemic to Odisha.