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Nature & Environment

New spider species discovered in Oregon

By T.K. Randall
August 18, 2012 · Comment icon 16 comments

Image Credit: sxc.hu
A completely new species of spider has been discovered by cave explorers in southern Oregon.
The new hook-legged arachnid is the first new family of spider to be found in North America since 1890, named Trogloraptor marchingtoni (meaning 'cave robber') the spider is up to 3 inches long. The creatures are believed to hang upside-down from the roof of caves to catch food.

"It is just as fascinating to arachnologists as the discovery of a new dinosaur is to paleontologists," said spider expert Norman Platnick. The new find is believed to help account for stories of giant spiders occupying caves in the region with the possibility of more, potentially larger discoveries still to come.
A group of cave explorers and scientists have made a rare discovery: an entirely new taxonomic family of spider in the caves of southern Oregon.


Source: Yahoo! News | Comments (16)




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Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #7 Posted by Sundew 13 years ago
Because that's what we need. MORE spiders. While I'm not overly fond of spiders (except Jumping Spiders, they're neat!) without them the insect population and its assault on our food supply, would soar to the point where we might all die of starvation. So they do provide a very valuable service, and you are unlikely to run into this species unless you go caving in Oregon.
Comment icon #8 Posted by Still Waters 13 years ago
I don't like spiders, especially the big ones that come inside the house in the autumn. The new spider has been formally called Trogloraptor marchingtoni, but is commonly being called the cave robber spider. They've called it a different name in this link - a few more pics too. Its colour is quite nice, I can't believe I said that! http://www.telegraph...in-US-cave.html
Comment icon #9 Posted by notoverrated 13 years ago
thats pretty cool i like spiders.
Comment icon #10 Posted by Simbi Laveau 13 years ago
I don't like spiders, especially the big ones that come inside the house in the autumn. The new spider has been formally called Trogloraptor marchingtoni, but is commonly being called the cave robber spider. They've called it a different name in this link - a few more pics too. Its colour is quite nice, I can't believe I said that! http://www.telegraph...in-US-cave.html It's terrifying from that angle ! *flees*
Comment icon #11 Posted by King Fluffs 13 years ago
Another creature to add to the bestiary that is my nightmares.
Comment icon #12 Posted by pallidin 13 years ago
Uuggghhh... I could have done without this. Me no like spiders.
Comment icon #13 Posted by and then 13 years ago
3" really isn't that big - try the huntsman in oz, you don't want to come across that when walking to the loo, although completely harmless. Well at least it would help me with my purpose in the loo...I hope not prematurely though Seriously though... I wonder what it is about this part of creation that makes so many people fearful? I guess it's a primal memory (if such exist) of the danger of their bites?
Comment icon #14 Posted by csspwns 13 years ago
wats so creepy about spiders? mom: hey look a spider! me: AHHHH GET ME OUTTA HEREEE~!!!
Comment icon #15 Posted by SpiritWriter 13 years ago
We have some new spiders in Seattle too, or at least some that I have never seen before. Big and hairy and I really hope they don't bite. Its probably not that big for some folks, because I am from Seattle (we generally have little bugs because of the cold weather). I have seen one about six inches in diameter, you can make out their whole face, and count their toes... smh too much, very scary I had to kill one and it probably was nice but scared the hell out of me. Green slime came out of it, or kind of like mucus. oh it was nasty...
Comment icon #16 Posted by Arbitran 12 years ago
Trogloraptor marchingtoni. Interesting. And to think it was found so close to my current residence. I never saw it coming. I'll have to get out to those caves and have a look for myself one of these days.


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