A New Chapter for the International Tarantula Occurrence Database (ITOD)

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  A New Chapter for the International Tarantula Occurrence Database (ITOD) Community science has transformed our understanding of biodiversity, but one of its greatest strengths lies not simply in the accumulation of observations, but in the ability to analyze those observations systematically. Today, I am pleased to announce the next phase of the International Tarantula Occurrence Database (ITOD): a comprehensive, genus-by-genus statistical analysis of every recognized theraphosid genus represented within the project. Rather than viewing ITOD solely as a repository of photographs and locality records, this initiative aims to develop it into a global scientific dataset capable of supporting ecological, taxonomic, biogeographic, and conservation research. Over the coming months, each theraphosid genus will undergo a standardized assessment using a consistent analytical framework. For every genus, data will be compiled on observation numbers, species representation, geographic covera...

Editorial: Horizons in arachnid science

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Editorial: Horizons in arachnid science

Editorial on the Research Topic Horizons in arachnid science

Frontiers in Arachnid Science, a community-rooted journal, aims to engage researchers across a full spectrum of disciplines, including early-career scientists and established researchers. We are pleased to introduce the inaugural “Horizons in Arachnid Science” collection, featuring invited, high-impact, and accessible reviews synthesizing transformational arachnology research. Contributors were selected by the Chief Editors in recognition of their scientific contributions and impact.

Among arachnids, spiders (order Araneae) represent the second most diverse order, with 53,967 currently described species (). Despite this remarkable diversity, the natural history, ecology, and evolutionary relationships of many spider lineages remain poorly understood. Two reviews in this Research Topic address these gaps from complementary perspectives by focusing on both a widespread ecological strategy and a charismatic focal lineage.

Herzig, V., Schausberger, P., Bond, J. E., Cabezas-Cruz, A., & Kuntner, M. (2026). Editorial: Horizons in arachnid science. Frontiers in Arachnid Science, 5, 1890569. https://doi.org/10.3389/frchs.2026.1890569