A small and colorful new species of jumping spider was recently discovered in the eastern part of Misiones and named with a name that goes beyond the scientific realm: Cylistella daphneae. The name pays tribute to Pamela Daphne Cooper de Colcombet, a historical figure in the protection of Misiones’ biodiversity.
The finding was made by the Research Group of Salticidae of Argentina (GISA), the first Latin American team dedicated exclusively to the study of spiders from the Salticidae family, known for their jumping ability and acute vision.
Between science and recognition: a new spider species with its own name
The spider was identified in a portion of the jungle that owes part of its conservation to Daphne Cooper’s environmental commitment. Her fight to preserve native ecosystems left an indelible mark on the region. Several of the protected natural areas that are now part of the Misiones heritage exist thanks to her management, promotion, and tireless action.
Nearly eight years after her passing, the discovery becomes a symbolic tribute to someone who dedicated her life to defending the Misiones forest, creating bridges between conservation and collective consciousness.
A contribution to science and environmental memory
The naming of Cylistella daphneae enriches the knowledge about the diversity of invertebrates in the Atlantic Forest. It also highlights the value of combining science, memory, and collective action.
“Taxonomic work may seem technical or distant, but when it connects with human stories and defended territories, it takes on another dimension,” expressed the GISA team in the presentation.
This new species adds to the growing catalog of Misiones’ fauna. It demonstrates the biological richness that still remains largely unexplored in some sectors of northeastern Argentina.
