Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi |
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The Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi is a special kind of spider. It belongs to a group of spiders called Euctenizidae. Scientists officially described this spider in 2007.
It was named after a famous Canadian rock musician, Neil Young.
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About the Neil Young Trapdoor Spider
This spider is a type of trapdoor spider. Trapdoor spiders are known for building burrows in the ground. They make a silk "trapdoor" to hide and catch their prey.
Who Discovered This Spider?
Two scientists, Jason Bond and Norman I. Platnick, described the Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi. Jason Bond is a professor of biology at East Carolina University. Norman I. Platnick was a curator at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
They studied male and female spiders collected in 1998. These spiders were found in Jefferson County, Alabama. Even though spiders like this had been collected since 1940, it wasn't until 2007 that they were recognized as a brand new species.
Where Does This Spider Live?
The Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi spider is found in many parts of Alabama. It has also been seen in one place in northwestern Florida. This means it lives in the southeastern United States.
Why the Name Neil Young?
Professor Jason Bond chose to name the spider after Neil Young. Neil Young is one of Bond's favorite musicians. Bond admires Young's music and his work for peace and fairness in the world.
Spider Research and Funding
In 2005 and 2006, Jason Bond received money from the National Science Foundation. This money helped him study and classify different types of spiders. His work also helped with the Tree of Life Web Project. This project aims to map out how all living things are related.
