UBC Researchers Describe 2 New Sea Spider Species in Salish Sea

3 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Sep 24

Seven Salish Sea sea spider species were detailed in the study, including two never previously categorized species identified from specimens collected during 2023-24 scuba surveys.
Microscopy and genetic sequencing confirmed the finds after targeted sampling in the poorly studied inland sea between British Columbia and Washington.
Callipallene pilosuspedes was described from a lone specimen with red eyes, hairy legs and a three-lipped mouth, while parasitic Tanystylum kiixin was found carrying even smaller parasites.
The team also produced an identification guide for future Salish Sea surveys, arguing many more marine invertebrates remain undocumented before climate change and other human pressures alter those ecosystems.