Overview
- Peer-reviewed research in Ecology and Evolution formally describes Aptostichus ramirezae as distinct from A. simus based on genomic, morphological and distributional analyses.
- The taxonomic revision narrows A. simus to the San Diego area while designating A. ramirezae as the more widespread dune lineage from central California to northern Baja, including some Channel Islands populations.
- Researchers note there are now four trapdoor spider species known to be endemic to California’s coastal dunes.
- Both species occupy shrinking dune habitats threatened by development, erosion, wildfire and projected sea-level rise, with A. simus flagged as especially vulnerable.
- Senior author Jason Bond named the new species for arachnologist Martina Giselle Ramirez, recognizing her contributions to trapdoor spider genetics.