Bob Marley named in Port Douglas

NEW SPECIES

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Desis bobmarleyi is the new superstar and true marine spider of the species, recently discovered and named during a Queensland Museum led Port Douglas research trip. Image Robert Raven/Pensoft

Researchers from the Queensland Museum have discovered and named a new species of marine spider.

During field research held in and around Port Douglas, the team named the unique species after Bob Marley’s High Tide or Low Tide song they had playing during the trip.

The song title reflects the behaviour of the amazing spider creating an air bubble around its mid section during high tides to breath from, later dispelling on low tide when they are again exposed to the atmosphere.

The Desis bobmarleyi spider is found in coastal coral formations and marine debris within the Great Barrier Reef region. Yet another example of the amazing biodiversity found in and around the famous reef system.

Desis bobmarleyi unlike other spiders doesn't flee the intertidal zone when high tide arrives, instead weaving a silk-sealed air chamber where it can hide. When the tide goes down, it hurries back out to hunt small invertebrates before the ocean forces it to take another break. Image: Yule Point by Paul Hoye

Desis bobmarleyi was discovered by Dr Barbara Baehr and Dr Robert Raven, who between them have described an incredible 1,000 new spider species.

Australia like many of its other fauna and flora has one of the world’s most diverse spider species.

The Queensland Museum believes there are still over 60% of Australian spiders yet to be found and named.


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