New species are discovered all the time. While some are found in the most remote parts of the planet, others were hiding in plain sight all this time.
Newsweek reported that a new species of spider has been unearthed in the sand dunes of the California coast. The new species, Aptostichus ramirezae, is a trapdoor spider that bears a very strong resemblance to the Aptostichus simus.
A new study, however, found the similarities are only exoskeleton deep. Genetically, they're more different from one another than humans are from chimpanzees.
One of the study's authors and a professor at UC Davis, Jason Bond, described them as "absolutely beautiful." He marveled at how they went undetected for so long given their proximity.
"This one is found just underfoot on a beach in California, highlighting the fact that such discoveries are not limited to remote tropical rainforest; there is so much about our planet's life that remains to be discovered," Bond said to Newsweek.
"Beautiful" might not be the first word that comes to mind for most. A. ramirezae, nonetheless, is a fascinating little creature. Trapdoor spiders play a key role in the ecosystem as prolific ambush predators of insects, keeping their numbers in check.
They also live exceptionally long lives; some spiders are around long enough to see their twentieth birthdays. One trapdoor spider, known only as No. 16, lived to the ripe old age of 43. Females are real homebodies; they spend virtually their entire lives underground feeding, mating, and rearing their young.
The knowledge that these spiders are under threat due to rising sea levels unfortunately tempers this exciting discovery.
As the atmosphere warms because of human activity, sea ice melts and coastlines retreat. California has already seen an 8-inch rise in the last 100 years. Up to two-thirds of the state's beaches could be lost by 2100.
This story underscores the importance of research in aiding local conservation work. Identifying a new species can help legislators prioritize certain habitats for protection.
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As another of the study's authors, Emma E. Jochim, explained in a blog post by UC Davis: "If we don't know how many species are in an area or understand the patterns of genetic diversity between populations, we don't really know what areas would be most important for conservation efforts."
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