A new jumping spider that looks like a humbug lolly, a new peacock spider with eyes on its abdomen, and a new wolf spider wearing a fur stole around its shoulders—these are just some of the amazing new species discovered as part of the latest Bush Blitz expedition held in Little Desert National Park and the Wimmera region of Victoria in late October.
The new spiders are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to species discovery during the two week long Bush Blitz. New species of leaf bugs, lichens and moths have also been discovered by a 30 strong team of researchers from Museums Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Queensland Museum and the University of New South Wales.
The expedition is part of Australia’s largest species discovery program, Bush Blitz, a partnership between the Australian Government, BHP, Earthwatch Australia and Parks Australia.
Discovering new spiders on a Bush Blitz is becoming a trend.
“We have discovered more than 500 new species of spider in the past 10 years, and over 1,700 new species overall. But finding new jumping spiders is unusual because they’re so tiny. They’re also incredibly cute, even an arachnophobe like me can’t help but fall in love with them,” said Jo Harding Bush Blitz Manager, Parks Australia.