Researchers Identify 91 More Spider Species In Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine (CBS/AP) — There are more creepy-crawlies than previously known in Maine.

The Maine Forest Service's newly released Checklist of Maine Spiders identifies 677 different species of spiders. That includes 91 additional species that were identified during the project.

The checklist is the result of a 14-year collaboration between researcher and Maine spider expert Dr. Daniel T. Jennings and the Forest Service, as well as retired Forest Entomologist Charlene Donahue and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

"Most people don't count spiders among their favorite creatures," said Allison Kanoti, state entomologist. "But spiders are an important part of our world, and we depend upon their existence."

The researchers looked at spiders from all over Maine and in habitats ranging from blueberry fields to coastal beaches and mountaintops. Washington, Penobscot and York Counties were the most popular spider destinations.

There are likely more species of spider in Maine that have yet to be documented, experts say.

Take a look at the full checklist here.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)