-“The World of Spiders”

ReportoftheGuestlecture

Date: 18^thOctober 2023 Time:10:30amto 12:30pm

Venue:AuditoriumofSt.Philomena’sCollege,Mysore

The guest lecture inonline modeonthetopic “TheWorldofSpiders”organizedby the Department of Zoology, St. Philomena’s College was a captivating exploration of the intricate world of Arachnids. Dr. Sudhikumar A V, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Zoology at Christ College, Irinjalakuda, Kerala, delved into various aspects of Spider Biology and behavior. He is an academician and researcher par excellence with many awards and recognitions to his credit. The guest lecture organized in online mode was a follow-up activity of the Memorandum of understanding signed between St Philomena’s College, Mysore and Christ College, Kerala.

The master of the ceremony was Ms. Tanvi. Malya, first year B.Sc student. The seminarcommenced withasymbolic prayer ledbySr. Divya and Ms. DeekshitaP, second year B.Sc students, followed by a warm welcome speech by Mr. Nisarg Kumar, second year B.Sc student. Ms. Sarah Grace, second year B.Sc student then introduced the distinguished resource person, Dr. Sudhikumar A V, setting the stage for an enlightening discourse.

Dr. SudhikumarAV’s presentationcovered a diverse range oftopics, including the intriguingconnectionsbetweenspidersand Greek mythology,theirt role inthe life of humans, and their systematic position. The audience was fascinated to learn about the close evolutionary relationships between spiders and other creatures, particularly insects, and the fundamental differences that distinguish them.

The lecture further elaborated on the intricate details of spider morphology, emphasizing the unique arrangement of their eyes, the intricacies of their mouth parts, and their fang action. The distinctions between Mygalomorphae and Araneomorphae were elucidated, alongside a detailed comparison of the legs of hunting and web-building spiders. Attendees gained insights into the nuances of sexual dimorphism and the complex mechanisms of spider courtship and camouflage.

Dr. Sudhikumar A V also shed light on the essential process of moulting, the intricate anatomy of spiders, the diverse types of spider webs, and the intriguing association between spiders and wasps. The audience was particularly intrigued by therevelationofthepotentialuseofspidersasafoodsourceandthe remarkable structure of their fibrous silk, as well as the intriguing properties of spider venom.

The seminar concluded with an engaging open discussion, where participants eagerly sought clarifications and shared their perspectives. The valuable feedback provided by the attendees highlighted the seminar’s significant impact indeepening their understanding of spiders and their ecological roles. Ms. Aquilla, first year B.Sc student concluded the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude tothe resource e person, all the dignitaries, participants, and the organizing team for their contributions to the seminar’s success.

The seminar not only enriched the knowledge of the students of the Zoology, Botany, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry departments but also fostered aprofound appreciation for the fascinating world of spiders and their essential rolein the ecosystem.

Resourceperson