In the course of an excursion in the alpine region of Australia, three mysterious spider species were discovered, one of which was a warrior hunter with a shield on its breast.
The eleven-day Australian Alps Bush Blitz mission to identify new species uncovered a three-millimeter jumping spider that resembles licorice allsorts as well as a wraparound spider that mimics a tree limb.
The new spiders were identified by Museums Victoria Research Institute arachnologist Joseph Schubert, who hopes to discover further species before the expedition concludes.
He stated, “Most people equate spiders with the outback toilet door, but spiders are quite diversified.”
From the notorious shield huntsman with war paint on his legs and a shield on his chest to ward off predators to the small jumping spiders that resemble puppies with eight eyes.
Mr. Schubert indicated that spiders are also adept at camouflage.
“The wraparound spider is a ferocious nocturnal mini-hunter that disguises itself as a tree branch to avoid predators,” he explained.
Minister of the Environment Tanya Plibersek hailed the discoveries as promising.
There are fifteen scientists and five science teachers serving as field assistants on the expedition.
Through a dedicated website, teachers can communicate with classrooms in real time while on the excursion.
Ms. Plibersek described the finding of three new spiders in the Australian Alps as “wonderful.”
Approximately three-quarters of Australia’s biodiversity has yet to be uncovered by scientists.
“Programs like Bush Blitz are enhancing our understanding of Australian habitats so that we can make future decisions that benefit the environment,”
Botanists and zoologists from the Australian Museum, Parks Australia’s National Seed Bank, the Museums Victoria Research Institute, the National Herbarium of NSW and Victoria, and the University of New South Wales are among the 15 scientists participating in the expedition.
»Scientist discover three new spider species in Australia«