2018/04/19 by Leanda Mason, Grant Wardell‐Johnson, Barbara York Main · 42 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · #Spider Taxonomy and Behavior Studies #Lepidoptera: Biology and Taxonomy #Species Distribution and Climate Change #Spider #Geography #Ecology #Biodiversity #Biodiversity hotspot #Endemism #Biology
paper · pdf · doi:10.1071/pc18015
published in Pacific Conservation Biology 24(2), 203-206 (CSIRO Publishing)
openalex publication_date 2018/04/19 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/25
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.