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Almost 50 new spider species identified in Australia

A new spider species called the Caitlin Henderson, named after Australia's noted arachnologist.

A new spider species called the Caitlin Henderson, named after Australia's noted arachnologist. Photo: Queensland Museum Network

A popular former children’s TV host dubbed “Ranger Stacey” is among the Australians who have had new species of spiders named after them in a new study.

Being named after a toad-hunting arachnid may not sound like a compliment, especially for a popular TV children’s presenter.

But former Totally Wild host and national park ranger Stacey Thomson says she is honoured to receive a nod after almost 50 new species of spiders in Australia were unveiled.

Dubbed “Ranger Stacey” during her popular TV run, Ms Thomson is among a number of Australians who have had a spider species named after them in a research project.

Overall Dr Robert Raven has documented 48 new ground hunting spiders in the study, including his salute to Ms Thomson – Miturgopelma rangerstaceyae.

“A nocturnal, fast-moving toad hunter. OK, it may not be gorgeous or cute to many, but this is an important discovery,” Ms Thomson said on Instagram.

“Thanks to Dr Robert Raven and the team for recognising my contribution to environmental education and awareness – I think it’s a stunner!”

Dr Raven thought he might discover “one or two” new species when he first started his research in the late 1990s during his tenure with Queensland Museum Network.

He found almost 50 – and counting.

Dr Raven predicts up to 15,000 different species of spiders reside in Australia, with less than 3000 currently identified.

“It’s a lot, isn’t it,” he told AAP.

“We have new molecular methods coming in and they are recognising a whole lot more species than I thought.

“If it comes up to 15,000 (species) Australia will represent a quarter of the world’s spider population.”

Another Australian acknowledged among the new spiders in Dr Raven’s report published in the international journal Zootaxa include paleontologist Mike Archer.

Known for his attempts to clone the Tasmanian Tiger, Dr Archer gets a nod with the spider species Miturgopelma archeri.

Dr Raven said the spider was found at a World Heritage listed fossil site in Queensland’s northwest synonymous with Dr Archer – Riversleigh near Mount Isa.

“I thought it was appropriate. I was able to get into the site because of him,” he said.

About half of the 48 spiders identified are from Western Australia.

Other Australians honoured with names include noted arachnologists Caitlin Henderson and Dr Barbara Baehr.

Dr Raven said he saluted “Ranger Stacey” for raising the awareness of spiders, insects and animals, especially amongst children.

The former kids TV favourite has already had a species of snail named after her.

“Maybe it’s a theme … I can be an ambassador for some of the animals that aren’t the most adorable but still really important,” Ms Thomson said.

AAP

Topics: Science
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