The longest-lived spider: mygalomorphs dig deep, and persevere
Leanda Denise Mason A C , Grant Wardell-Johnson A and Barbara York Main B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.
B PO Box 668, Nedlands, WA 6909, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: leanda.denise.mason@gmail.com
Pacific Conservation Biology 24(2) 203-206 https://doi.org/10.1071/PC18015
Submitted: 31 January 2018 Accepted: 1 April 2018 Published: 19 April 2018
Abstract
We report the longest-lived spider documented to date. A 43-year-old, female Gaius villosus Rainbow, 1914 (Mygalomorphae: Idiopidae) has recently died during a long-term population study. This study was initiated by Barbara York Main at North Bungulla Reserve near Tammin, south-western Australia, in 1974. Annual monitoring of this species of burrowing, sedentary mygalomorph spider yielded not only this record-breaking discovery but also invaluable information for high-priority conservation taxa within a global biodiversity hotspot. We suggest that the life-styles of short-range endemics provide lessons for humanity and sustainable living in old stable landscapes.
Additional keywords: conservation, fragmented landscapes, long-term study, short-range endemism, trapdoor spiders, world-record.
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