Turkish scientists discover new spider species in Northern Cyprus
LEFKOŞA
Turkish scientists have discovered a new spider species in the mountains of Northern Cyprus.
A team led by professors from Near East University and Ege University discovered the new species during surveys in the wooded and bushy hills of the Beşparmak Mountains, according to local media reports published on Nov. 2.
The new species from the Dysderidae family was named by the scientists as “Harpactea günselorum” in honor of Near East University Rector Dr. Suat Günsel, who supported the project to catalogue all spider species in northern Cyprus.
The research project will continue to confirm whether the new species also breed in the Trodos Mountains of Greek Cyprus in the south of the island.
Salih Yücel, one of the professors leading the project, said the teams were also investigating whether the venom of two endemic tarantula species in Cyprus could be used in medicine.
