Lost species are those that have been previously described but have not been documented as still existing for several decades, if not over a century. Documenting existence may occur as collecting or observing the species in the field. There are many spider species that may be considered lost; our lab is looking for two in particular: Myrmekiaphila flavipes and Goneatara eranistes, which have not been seen since 1908 and 1923, respectively. 

​

Myrmekiaphila flavipes is a trap door spider that was last seen in Mitchell, IN. Only one specimen has ever been captured, a female, from a field. 

​

Goneatara eranistes is a small (~1.5mm) wetland-loving (?) sheet-weaving spider that was last seen in Alberta, VA. Only one specimen was ever captured, a male.

​

Our lab continues to search for these species in their respective states...