Scientists in California have found that the genome of a trapdoor spider species named for Stephen Colbert in 2008 is 1.5 times the size of the human genome.
The spider, with the scientific name Aptostichus stephencolberti, is native to dunes along the coast of central California.
While it’s venomous, the spider’s venom is not considered dangerous to humans, according to a release from the University of California, Davis.
People were interested in these podcasts
The spider’s genome has 4.6 billion DNA base pairs, 50% larger than the size of the human genome, UC Davis said.
Jason Bond, the scientist who first named the spider and who works at the school, said the Aptostichus stephencolberti is the first spider in its family to have its genome sequenced.
The spider’s genome is also complex, with 52 chromosomes as opposed to the 23 chromosomes in human beings.
“We Californians love our beaches, and trapdoor spiders share them with us. We’re hoping to understand how things like climate change, fire and urbanization might be impacting the genetic diversity of species,” Mr. Bond said.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.