Seven New Amazing Funnel Web Spiders Discovered in Underground Habitats in Israel's Caves

New research discovered seven unique species of funnel spiders that have lived in extreme habitats, showing exceptional skills in adaptations and convergent evolution.

The animal world still has many species unknown to researchers and humanity. As a result, researchers and scientists have been trying to unlock different species, especially spiders.

Researchers from the University of Madison - Wisconsin and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem worked together to investigate species of funnel spiders (Agelenidae, Tegenaria) that are present in Israel's caves.

Seven new amazing spiders unlocked

The research findings were published in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution journal.

According to the study, caves have been an essential habitat for discovering unique and rare species that undergo convergent evolution under extreme conditions.

The said species, including spiders, managed to thrive in isolation and habitat without light. The discovered funnel spiders showed amazing skills of adaptation to survive.

Furthermore, the researchers looked into the process of convergent evolution that has shaped the adaptations of animals inside the cave.

Shlomi Aharon, study's lead and from Hebrew University, explained that the study looked into the possible development of the spiders' adaptation in the cave.

According to the report, the species sampling showed that the researchers observed the species of 200 funnel web spiders gathered from 2014 to 2022.

The researchers noted that adaptations for survival might have shaped the blindness and appearance of the said spiders.

Furthermore, the study explained the importance of evolutionary relationships between species of funnel web spiders.

• Funnel spiders at the cave's entrance with noticeable normal eyes.
• Funnel spiders live inside the cave. The species are blind, pigmentless and reduced eyes.

Completely blind and eye-reduced appearance

The findings from the analysis and collected DNA would help researchers figure out the similarity with other spider species.

The researchers found the following difference and adaptations of the new species of funnel web spiders.

• The study noted that two species of spiders collected were also seen in Galilee's caves.
• The discovered new species showed similarities with spider species in Mediterranean areas in Europe.
• Five of the funnel web spider species revealed an eye-reduced appearance.
• Two of the funnel web spider species were blind.

Did you know? More facts about funnel web spiders

According to Australian Museum, funnel-web spiders thrive in parts of Australia, with over 40 spider species.

The Australia Museum explained that the species of funnel web spiders are not deadly. However, the Sydney Funnel-web spider is the most notorious and feared funnel spider (Atrax robustus).

In Australia, the report added that the species of funnel web spiders live in parts of Tasmania, North Queensland and the East Coast.

In terms of a favorite place, funnel web spiders rest under rocks, trees, gardens or logs. But most of them love to stay in trees.

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