2 minute read
Discovery
DISCOVERY DISCOVERY
THE LATEST SPIDER DISCOVERIES
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SEVEN New Species Of Peacock Spiders Have Been Found!
An Australian arachnologist has just discovered seven new colorful species of the peacock spider, one of which actually resembles a famous Vincent van Gogh painting!
Melbourne Museum arachnologist Joseph Schubert tweeted on March 26, "Meet Australia's seven newest species. Last year, I traveled the country collecting specimens of these new peacock spiders (some discovered by citizen scientists) and spent countless hours in the lab studying them. Some welcome news in tough times."
Schubert discussed the new peacock spiders, particularly the one named Maratus constellatus, due to its resemblance to 'Starry Night':
"The patterns on the abdomen to me look so much like Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh. Hence the name constellatus, which means starry in Latin."
Peacock spiders are known for being very tiny, only about .05 inches (1.5 millimeters) or a little bigger. They are by no means easy to find, so this discovery is even more impressive. Along with the Maratus constellatus, six more peacock spiders were discovered, photographed, and documented by citizen scientists.
The new spiders are called Maratus azureus, Maratus constellatus, Maratus inaquosus, Maratus laurenae, Maratus noggerup, Maratus suae and Maratus volpei.
Fun fact: Peacock spiders usually appear to be brown spiders at first glance, however when examined under a macro lens or microscope, their brilliant colors and patterns can be seen and admired.
MUSEUMS VICTORIA: SEVEN NEW SPECIES OF PEACOCK SPIDERS!
Author: Michael Fantus Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens (Strand, 1907). (2018, June 15). Retrieved February 27, 2020, from http:// www.minaxtarantulas.se/articles/chromatopelma-cyaneopubescens-strand-1907/
D. (2019, May 1). Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens. Retrieved from https://www.theraphosidae.be/en/ chromatopelma-cyaneopubescens/
Endangered species - The Tarantula Database. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2020, from https://sites.google. com/site/tarantuladb/resources/endangered-species
H. (2018, June 15). Green Bottle Blue Tarantula - Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens. Retrieved February 27, 2020, from https://carnivora.net/greenbottle-blue-tarantula-chromatopelma-cyaneopub-t1189.html
see ya later!
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