Search

Researchers have discovered two new species of pirate spiders, Ero lizae and Ero natashae, living in the cloud forests of St. Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic. These spiders were previously mistaken for a closely related species found in western Europe, Ero aphana. Through DNA testing and observation of physical differences, taxonomist Danni Sherwood and colleagues determined that these spiders are distinct species. Pirate spiders are known for taking over the webs of other spiders and preying on them. [Extracted from the article]