A fascinating discovery has emerged from New Zealand’s South Island, where researchers have identified an entirely new genus of jumping spiders. This genus, named Ourea, consists of 12 different species that had previously evaded human detection. The spiders were found in the rocky alpine regions of the island, a habitat that is as harsh as it is remote. These new species are an exciting addition to the under-explored world of New Zealand’s jumping spiders.
A Hidden Habitat
The alpine zone of New Zealand, where these spiders were discovered, is an extreme environment. Spanning 11 percent of the country’s land area, this region is situated above the tree line and below permanent snowpack. It’s a place where temperatures can swing dramatically, from -15 °C (5 °F) to 27 °C (80 °F), and the winds can reach speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour (112 miles per hour). For creatures to survive here, they must be incredibly resilient, and these jumping spiders are no exception.
The team of biologists, including Robin Long, Cor Vink, and Adrian Paterson from Lincoln University, embarked on a challenging expedition to collect these elusive creatures. Over their journey, they collected 170 specimens of jumping spiders and also gathered a few more from rocky areas at lower altitudes. Their efforts paid off with the identification of Ourea, a genus that now adds a significant chapter to New Zealand’s rich but often overlooked spider diversity.
The Challenge of Finding the Spiders
The species are incredibly well-camouflaged, blending seamlessly with their rocky environment. “Spiders were either captured from the ground surface, with difficulty due to their swiftness, or from silken tent-like shelters that they build under rocks,” the team reports. Their cryptic morphology allowed them to remain hidden from human eyes, making them particularly hard to spot unless they moved.
The researchers also discovered that the spiders had a strong preference for rocks covered in crustose lichen, a type of growth that likely provides a more stable substrate. This, in turn, supports a small ecosystem of prey species, which are essential for the spiders’ survival. These remarkable creatures’ ability to thrive in such a challenging environment is a testament to the unique adaptability of New Zealand’s wildlife.
Credit: Robin Long
New Species and Their Unique Features
The Ourea genus includes species that are specifically adapted to life above the tree line. Ten of the species are found exclusively in the alpine zone, while two others inhabit areas just above the tree line but are not confined to the higher altitudes. One of the most striking features of the Ourea spiders is their genitalia, which served as a key distinguishing factor in identifying the different species.
The genus name Ourea was chosen in reference to the mountain deities of Greek mythology, symbolizing the spiders’ connection to the rocky, mountainous landscapes of the South Island. The team’s study, which involved an extensive survey of the region, has now revealed a wealth of new knowledge about these hidden spiders, all of which were previously undescribed.
As the researchers pointed out, “these undescribed spiders exhibit a highly cryptic morphology, appearing remarkably similar to the rocky substrates they live upon…. they were extremely difficult to see unless they moved.”