Two New Sea Spider Species Discovered in Salish Sea

Discovery in the Salish Sea

Researchers from the University of British Columbia have identified two new species of sea spiders in the Salish Sea. This discovery, detailed in the journal Organisms Diversity & Evolution, represents the first time new sea spider species have been found in the region in a century. The research team collected seven specimens, including five known species and the two newly described ones.

Characteristics of Sea Spiders

Sea spiders are ancient arachnids related to scorpions, spiders, and horseshoe crabs. They possess exoskeletons, jointed legs, and chelicerae-type mouthparts. Unique traits include having up to 12 legs, breathing through their skin, and males carrying eggs on their legs. Many shallow water species are small parasites that use a proboscis to feed on hosts.

New Species Identified

The first new species, Callipallene pilosuspedes, named for its "hairy feet," is about one centimeter long and features a triangular mouth with sensory hairs. It joins 36 other Callipallene species globally. The second new species, Tanystylum kiixin, is named after an indigenous village near its discovery site. Its short, stiff legs accumulate debris and host even tinier single-celled parasites, creating micro-ecosystems on its body.

Research Methodology

Specimens were collected from various sea spider habitats in the Salish Sea, ranging from 0 to 60 feet deep. Researchers utilized scanning electron microscopy and DNA analysis to classify the sea spiders by species, which led to the identification of the two previously undescribed species.