New cave spider species named in Oregon ceremony
8 reported
A newly discovered species of cave spider in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge received a traditional naming ceremony from the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Evolutionary biologist Greta Binford of Lewis & Clark College found the spider during a hike and later identified it as a new species of trogloraptor, a spider family whose only other known species lives about 350 miles away. Binford’s student Madeline Jones suggested reaching out to local tribes for a name. The spider was named trogloraptor tulishpun, meaning “cave predator” in Sahaptin, the Native language of the area. Donella Miller, a Yakama Nation member and biologist with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, helped coordinate the naming. Several dozen tribal members and scientists gathered under hemlocks and fir trees near the discovery site for a ceremony led by Yakima elder Anthony Washines, who proposed the name. Gifts and food were shared, a traditional naming song was sung, and spiders were collected, named, and returned to nearby caves.
What’s reported
The spider was discovered in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge by biologist Greta Binford.
It is a new species in the trogloraptor family; the only other known species lives about 350 miles away.
The name trogloraptor tulishpun means “cave predator” in Sahaptin.
The naming was coordinated with the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.
A traditional naming ceremony was held under hemlocks and fir trees near the discovery site.
Yakima elder Anthony Washines proposed the name and led the ceremony.
Gifts, food, and a naming song were part of the event.
Spiders were gathered, named, and returned to nearby caves.
Key figures
Greta Binford, evolutionary biologist at Lewis & Clark College
Madeline Jones, student of Binford
Donella Miller, member of the Yakama Nation and biologist with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
Anthony Washines, Yakima elder
Sources: NPR
