U of I researchers discover ‘Vandal’ spider found only in Idaho
Chris Hamilton, associate professor in the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology, and doctoral student Arnau Calatayud-Mascarell pose together with a container holding a Hexura vandal spider, a new species their research team discovered in north-central Idaho that appears to be endemic to the state.
Photo courtesy University of Idaho
Hexura-vandal: A female specimen of Hexura vandal.
Photo courtesy University of Idaho
MOSCOW — Along came a spider, bringing acclaim to the Vandals.
A University of Idaho research team has discovered a previously unknown species of spider, which they believe lives only in an isolated pocket of moist, coniferous forest in the mountains of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests of north-central Idaho. They’ve named the nickel-sized, dark-colored spider Hexura vandal, honoring U of I’s mascot.