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Hetrophrictus aareyensis, a new species of tarantula, was discovered in 2014 and is named after Aarey colony. Pics courtesy/RAJESH SANAP

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Aarey also plays host to one of the largest species of moths, the Indian moon moth or luna moth. “They don’t have a mouth or digestive system to feed as an adult moth, Their mouthparts are immature and digestive tracts are absent. Their adult stage is mainly for reproduction,” Yadav shares.

Mahesh Yadav

Before and After Seasonal ponds grace the colony and are important in ensuring that the ecosystem thrives. But they can only be seen during the monsoon — the season during which, Sanap says, Aarey turns into a magical forest. “Once the monsoon retreats, you only see land and people playing cricket on it. I’ve also spotted a leopard walking on it,” he adds. 

The whip scorpion, also known as the tailless whip scorpion or amblypygid, is an intriguing creature, according to Yadav. Amblypygid means “blunt rump”, a reference to the absence of a tail. “They are almost harmless to humans due to the lack of venom,” he says.

The Indian rock python can grow as long as 15 feet and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. PICS courtesy/JY BROTHERS

One can spot Lagerstroemia speciosa, the state flower of Maharashtra, which is also referred to as ‘Pride of India’

Rajesh Sanap

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