Scientists have identified two previously unknown species of sea spider in the Salish Sea, according to a study published in Organisms Diversity & Evolution. The discoveries mark the first new sea spider species formally described from the region in nearly 100 years. The research, conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia, combines detailed physical observations with genetic analysis to help fill gaps in understanding these unusual marine animals. Sea spiders, also known as pycnogonids, are arthropods that resemble spiders but are not closely related to them. They are often found in marine environments and have unique features such as long, thin legs and a specialized feeding structure. One of the species, named Callipallene pilosuspedes, has hairy legs and striking red eyes. It has a short proboscis equipped with claws that help it grab food before biting. Its mouth is triangular, divided into three lips, and surrounded by sensory tendrils. Researchers observed the species using comb-like spines on its ovigers to groom and clean its body. Only a single specimen of this species was found during the study. The discovery of such a rare individual highlights the difficulty in studying these elusive creatures, which often live in deep or remote parts of the ocean. The second newly described species, Tanystylum kiixin, takes its name from an ancient Indigenous village site near the location where specimens were first collected. This species has much smaller and less flexible egg-carrying limbs, which appears to limit its ability to groom itself effectively. Researchers often found dirt and debris clinging to the animals, along with tiny parasites living on their bodies. The result is described as "an ecosystem within an ecosystem within an ecosystem." This phrase emphasizes the complex interactions between the sea spiders, their environment, and the organisms that live on or within them. The study is the first comprehensive investigation of Salish Sea sea spiders to combine detailed imaging with DNA analysis. Researchers generated genetic sequences for several species that had never been sequenced before and produced an identification guide to help distinguish sea spider species found throughout the region. Both newly discovered species have now been registered in a global database, but the researchers suggest that the Salish Sea likely contains additional species that have yet to be documented. This study underscores the importance of continued exploration and research in marine environments, where new and unexpected discoveries are still possible.