Scientists discovered two bizarre new sea spiders that are “nightmare fuel”

If you happen to be swimming in the Salish Sea at night and imagine tiny hairy legs creeping up your body, there is now at least one unsettling reason that image feels plausible. Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified two previously unknown species of sea spider, including one with hairy legs and striking red eyes.

The discoveries mark the first new sea spider species formally described from the Salish Sea in nearly 100 years. Published in Organisms Diversity & Evolution, the study combines detailed physical observations with genetic analysis to help fill major gaps in scientists' understanding of these unusual marine animals.