10-year-old found mystery spider; scientists later named new species after him

Murphy Widdowson, a 10-year-old boy, stumbled upon a mysterious spider during a visit to Deal Island, a remote location off Tasmania's northeast coast. Intrigued by the unusual find, Murphy didn't hesitate to seek help from an expert. He reached out to the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston, where arachnologist John Douglas began investigating the specimen.

Douglas, unable to identify the spider with certainty, sent it to spider taxonomist Dr. Volker Framenau in Western Australia for further examination. After close inspection, the researchers concluded that the spider belonged to an entirely new species, previously unknown to science. Recognizing Murphy's curiosity as the catalyst for this discovery, they named the spider Artoriopsis murphyi in his honor.

This remarkable find not only highlights the diverse ecosystem of Australia but also emphasizes the importance of curiosity and the willingness to ask questions. The story of Murphy's discovery was celebrated with a special presentation, complete with a cake adorned with the spider's scientific name. Rest assured, despite the spooky implications, Artoriopsis murphyi is harmless to humans, measuring only about five millimeters in size.