University of Idaho Researchers Identify Hexura vandal, a 3rd Known Hexura Species in Idaho
Updated
Updated · uidaho.edu · Aug 31
University of Idaho Researchers Identify Hexura vandal, a 3rd Known Hexura Species in Idaho
3 articles · Updated · uidaho.edu · Aug 31
Summary
ZooKeys published a University of Idaho team’s report on Hexura vandal on Aug. 31, describing a newly identified spider found in north-central Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
The discovery began on Sept. 8, 2024, near Kooskia, when researchers surveying Microhexura spotted an unexpected Hexura specimen—a genus not previously recorded in Idaho.
Morphological differences, backed by genetic data, led the team to conclude the nickel-sized, dark-colored spider is a distinct species that has likely been isolated for a long time.
Repeated field visits found the spider abundant only in a moist, mossy conifer habitat with decaying logs, then disappearing in drier surrounding areas.
Researchers say the species may be endemic to Idaho and could strengthen calls to monitor that remnant ecosystem; Idaho currently has no official state spider.