First Survey of Arachnids on ABC Islands in over 100 years: 25 new records and 20 species new to science

A 2004-2005 study led by a researcher from the California Academy of Science worked to catalog arachnid species (such as spiders and scorpions) on Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. This is the first study of its kind in over 100 years. The recently published results in the Caribbean Journal of Science showed 25 new species, which have not been previously described for the islands, and 20 new species to science. Understanding the local arachnid population is important as they represent a vital part of the ecosystem, crucial for maintaining balance by controlling insect populations.

Article originally published in BioNews 30

More Information: Crewsn S.C., Debrot, A.O. (2019). The Arachnids (Arachnida) of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Caribbean Journal of Science.