Many people harbor the false belief that most of the world’s animals have already been discovered. But that’s not the case. According to some estimates, up to seven million species have yet to be named. Given that approximately 1.5 million species have been formally documented to science, that leaves 80% or more waiting to be discovered.
“The new fossil from Mazon Creek is evidently something very different from any previously described arachnid from either this or any other Coal Measures locality,” say the authors. “It is characterized by its distinctive habitus of an ovate body and robust and very spiny legs. The preserved character combination makes it difficult to place the fossil in any known arachnid order.
They also note the resemblance to some living arachnids—including several species of armored harvestmen—which are also believed to exhibit spininess on their legs and body as a degree of protection against predators. Lynx spiders are well-adapted hunters. Eschewing the use of webs to capture their prey, they instead employ a feline-like hunting technique, leaping upon unsuspecting victims. This behavior earns them their name, “lynx spiders.”