Scientists have discovered three new species of sea spiders, genus *Sericosura*, off the West Coast of the United States. These tiny creatures, about one centimeter long and nearly translucent, live near methane seeps.
The sea spiders feed on methanotrophic bacteria that colonize their exoskeletons. This unique symbiotic relationship converts methane into nutrients. This could play a role in the carbon cycle by capturing methane before it reaches the atmosphere.
The species were found off the coasts of Southern California and Alaska, highlighting significant regional biodiversity. The research was published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*.