Russian zoologists have found 6 previously unknown species of the huntsman spider belonging to the genus Pandercetes in Southeast Asia and the Australasian region. The findings mark the first recorded presence of these spiders in Indonesia’s Sumatra, the Philippines, and Laos.

The study was conducted by Mikhail Omelko Jr. of the Federal Scientific Centre of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity 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 Russian Academy of Sciences.

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

The research further clarified Pandercetes taxonomy by more precisely distinguishing it from closely related genera. Additionally, the scientists identified several historical species that are currently known only from early written descriptions without illustrations, laying the groundwork for future taxonomic revisions of the group.

The study also offers new insights into the spiders' biology. The Pandercetes species inhabit tree trunks and large branches, camouflaging themselves as tree bark, moss, or lichens. Instead of spinning webs, they hunt insects using their keen eyesight and rapid movements. The females fiercely guard their egg sacs during the incubation period.