New arachnid species uncovered in Spain's Nerja cave
Scientists have discovered a new spider species in the Nerja cave in Spain. The spider measures approximately 1 millimetre in diameter.
Scientists made an extraordinary discovery in the Nerja cave in Málaga, Spain. The new species of spider, named Anapistula delrosalae, was found in the cave, which is renowned for its archaeological finds and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists yearly.
The discovery was made possible thanks to a trapping project from 2000 to 2001 and new traps from 2017 to 2019. Tumulus-type traps were filled with propylene glycol and beer in a 4:1 ratio and baited with sobrasada, a Spanish sausage.
In one of the traps, researchers discovered a spider that is distinct from other Anapistula species in Europe. This new species features a serrated fang edge, is slightly more pronounced, and appears more transparent than its counterparts.
The research team believes this species is widespread throughout the cave, where egg cocoons and additional individuals were also observed. However, the new species description is based solely on female specimens found in the traps.
New discoveries in the animal world
Recently, a new species of herring was discovered in the Baltic Sea. This species differs from traditional plankton-eating herrings. It is predatory, larger, and fattier, making it more appealing to consumers. Genetic studies have revealed the existence of two subpopulations of this species, which may impact the marine ecosystem.
A Polish-Venezuelan expedition reached the top of Tramén Tepui in Venezuela, discovering new endemic species of butterflies and frogs. The Pantepui region, known for its high rate of endemism, offers unique conditions for evolutionary research. These discoveries bring us closer to understanding the origins of the area's fauna.
The Tramén Tepui mountain, with its challenging climate and inaccessibility, challenged scientists. The expedition required specialised equipment, and the discoveries of butterflies and frogs are significant contributions to biogeographical research. The expedition underscores the importance of continuing the tradition of Polish research in South America.
These discoveries show how diverse and unexplored our planet's ecosystems still are. The new species of herring and the findings on the Tramén Tepui mountain highlight the importance of field research and its impact on understanding evolutionary processes and biodiversity conservation.
