Debomay Chanda

Debomay Chanda, Debomay Chanda (born November 10, 1993) is an Indian naturalist, artist, photographer, and dedicated arachnologist, best known for his in-depth knowledge of spiders and their ecological significance. Born and raised in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, Debomay developed a strong connection with nature early on, which he has nurtured through both his academic and artistic pursuits. He achieved an MSc in Environmental Science at Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, after completing his undergraduate studies at Ananda Chandra College, Jalpaiguri and his schooling at Jalpaiguri Zilla School.

Debomay has a profound passion for spiders, spending years observing and documenting their behavior and habitats, particularly in the biodiversity-rich Neora Valley National Park. His scientific contributions include authoring *A Field Guide to the Spider Genera of India*, a vital resource that highlights the diversity of spiders found across the country. His fieldwork and research have made him a key figure in promoting arachnology in India.

Apart from his expertise in arachnology, Debomay is also an accomplished digital artist and graphic designer. His artwork is heavily influenced by his love for nature, with intricate depictions of landscapes, wildlife, and flora, often blending traditional techniques with modern digital mediums. He is also passionate about scientific illustration, using his skills to create precise and detailed representations of the natural world, particularly in the realm of biology and ecology.

Debomay's interests extend to wildlife and macro photography, where he captures the finer details of the natural world, from spiders and insects to plants and wildlife. His photographs serve as both an artistic expression and a scientific record, often featured in exhibitions and publications.

In addition, Debomay runs **Gach Bari**, a brand focused on selling exotic indoor plants, promoting sustainable gardening practices, and fostering a deeper connection to nature. Through his work in conservation, scientific illustration, photography, and art, Debomay is a strong advocate for environmental awareness and sustainability, aiming to inspire a greater appreciation for the natural world in both artistic and scientific communities.

• 235, Debnagar, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal 735101, India.

Taxon names authored

• 1 taxon names authored by Debomay Chanda

Publications

• Basumatary, P., Chanda, D., Das, S., Kalita, J., Brahma, D., Basumatary, T., Basumatary, B.K. & Daimary, S. 2019. On a new species of the orb-weaving spider genus Eriovixia (Araneae: Araneidae) from India. Arachnology 18(1): 24-27. DOI: 10.13156/arac.2018.18.1.24. Reference page. .

• Mondal, A., Chanda, D., Patra, S. & Barman, M. 2020. Phrynus whitei (Gervais, 1842) from the type locality Burdwan is actually Charinus bengalensis (Gravely, 1911). Bugs R All #187, In: Zoo’s Print 35(7): 01–03. Reference page.