Six-eyed orange ‘goblin’ creature found on remote Japan island. See the new species
While exploring a remote island in Japan, scientists spotted a tiny orange creature among leaf litter on the forest floor — and discovered a new species of goblin spider.
Goblin spiders are a small, six-eyed spider that are found worldwide, but especially in tropical regions, according to a study published Aug. 1 in Zootaxa. The new species of spider doesn’t build webs and was found on Iriomote Island, which is a remote island in southwestern Japan.
The new species, Ischnothyreus ogatai — common Japanese name Ogata-Yoroi-Danigumo — is minuscule, scientists said. Female specimens measured about 0.6 inches, and males measured about .05 inches.
Researchers said the spiders’ outer shell, or carapace, and abdomen are a reddish orange color, while their legs and sternum are a yellowish brown.
The Ischnothyreus genus differs from other goblin spiders because it has a small- or intermediate-sized plate on its abdomen, scientists said. The Ogata-Yoroi-Danigumo spiders have this plate, or scutum, which covers a portion of their abdomens.
Scientists believe the new species is native to Japan, but they could also be present in neighboring regions, such as Taiwan.
The new species was named after Kiyoto Ogata, who was “an enthusiastic amateur arachnologist and photographer and collected the specimens of this species,” the study said.
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