New spider species discovered in Czech Republic wetlands

Scientists from Masaryk University have discovered two spider species previously unknown to the Czech Republic in the South Moravian wetlands near Rakvic. The findings were made during the LIFE in Salt Marshes project, which monitors biodiversity in relation to wetland restoration.

The first species, the jumping spider Attulus inexpectus, was identified in the Trkmanec–Rybníčky area. This species typically inhabits lowlands near water and inland salt marshes. The discovery is notable as the nearest known location for this species is near Lake Neusiedl in Austria.

The second discovery is the rare spider Crustulina sticta, which is found sporadically across Europe in wetland and peatland habitats. While present in all neighboring countries, it had not been documented in the Czech Republic until now. Additionally, researchers confirmed the presence of the critically endangered Entelecara omissa in the same samples.