Rocky Mountain find reveals new funnel-web spider far from its Northwest relatives

Researchers at the University of Idaho have discovered a new species of spider in the mountains of northern Idaho, naming it Hexura vandal. This spider belongs to a group of funnel-web spiders, similar to tarantulas, and it is the third known species in this genus. Previously, only two species were recognized, located hundreds of miles away in the coastal forests and mountains of Oregon and Washington.

The find was made by a team of scientists led by Arnau Calatayud-Mascarell, Ethan J. Briggs, and Chris A. Hamilton, who were surprised to discover the species so far inland, some 500 kilometers from the previous known range. The paper detailing the discovery has been published in the journal ZooKeys. Associate Professor Dr. Chris A. Hamilton emphasized the importance of documenting biodiversity and noted that the discovery is particularly significant because it was found "in your backyard."

The spider's name, Hexura vandal, pays tribute to the university's mascot, the Vandal basketball team. Hamilton explained that the name was chosen because the spider is unique to Idaho and is a fierce predator, much like the team's style of play. However, the researchers warn that Hexura vandal may be endangered due to its limited range and the threats posed by logging and frequent wildfires, which often occur during the spider's breeding season.