University of Idaho researchers have discovered a new species of spider in north-central Idaho and named it after the Vandals.
The new species, called “Hexura vandal,” was discovered in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests near Kooskia. Researchers say the nickel-sized spider may only exist in a small area of moist coniferous forest in Idaho. The spider was first found in 2024 while U of I researchers were surveying other spider species near the Lochsa River. Researchers believe the Vandal spider may be found only in Idaho. The discovery was published this week in the scientific journal ZooKeys.
