Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Two New Sea Spider Species Discovered in Pacific Northwest

Researchers have identified two previously unknown species of sea spiders in the Salish Sea, located along the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. These small marine arthropods were found during recent dives.

The discoveries were made between September 2023 and August 2024 at depths up to 60 feet. After examining physical traits and DNA, scientists confirmed five shallow-water sea spider species, including two new ones. This adds to the roughly 1,400 known sea spider species, a small fraction compared to land spiders.

One new species, named Callipallene pilosuspedes, is characterized by red eyes, a grasping proboscis, a sensory-covered mouth, and spiny legs. Only one individual of this species was found.

The second new species, Tanystylum kiixin, resembles a "swamp monster" due to underdeveloped egg-carrying limbs that prevent self-cleaning, often leaving them covered in debris and parasites. Eighty-two individuals were identified.

Sea spiders, which evolved around 500 million years ago, are related to land spiders and have organs in their legs due to a lack of abdomens. They often act as parasites, using their proboscis to feed on host organisms like hydroids, which are believed to be their primary food source in this discovery.

The researchers noted that sea spiders retain "weird traits" and that new species are frequently found in well-studied areas, highlighting the ongoing discovery of marine biodiversity.

The discovery emphasizes the potential for many more undocumented species in marine environments, especially in light of threats from human activity and climate change.

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