A new species of water spider - Dolomeds briangreenei - was discovered in Australia and took center stage at the opening of Brisbane's World Science Festival on Wednesday. The species, also referred to as "Brian," is named after string theorist and World Science Festival co-founder Brian Greene.
Brian - the spider - is endemic to fresh water streams around Brisbane and is unique for its use of vibrations in order to hunt for its prey, sending waves across the surface of the waters that it traverses.
"These spiders sit there on the water and then all of a sudden an insect will hit the water and the spider races out to get it, grabs it, dives under the water and then swims back to the shore and starts eating it," said Robert Raven, a scientist from the Queensland Museum.
Although the new species is not dangerous to humans, it possesses some unique abilities that make it very dangerous to the insects, fish and cane toads that it hunts, including the ability to sit underwater for up to one hour.
"Physics is all about waves; understanding the universe is all about waves," Greene said. "With the announcement last month of humankind's first detection of gravitational waves - ripples on the surface of space and time - I am particularly honored to be so closely associated with a spider that has its own deep affinity for waves."
Greene was also excited about launching the World Science Festival in the southern hemisphere when he spoke to press on Wednesday morning.
"The goal [of the festival is] quite simple; to create a new experience of science ... to have a place where young and old, novice and experienced can come in and experience science in a way that feels compelling and dramatic - not intimidating - and utterly inspiring," he said.
This year's World Science Festival marks the first time that the festival has been held outside of its birthplace in New York City and attracts some of the world's most renowned scientific minds, including National Geographic explorer Sylvia Earle and astronaut Andy Thomas.
D. briangreenei is large, dark and approximately the size of the palm of a human hand. It will soon be on permanent display at the Queensland Museum for all to see.
