A mystery variant of a “gem”-like spider has been found in Perth, where no member of the species has been seen for 30 years.

The teyl trapdoor spider was found in bushland at the University of Western Australia field station in Shenton Park, by researchers from Edith Cowan University and UWA.

“First described by the late Professor Barbara York Main, the genus name Teyl is derived from Noongar languages as a sign of respect, and roughly translates into meaning ‘shiny stone’,” ECU vice-challencer research fellow Dr Leanda Mason said.

Mason said the species in the genus were known for its small size, glossy sheen, and bright colouring – often orange or yellow.

Teyl spiders construct open-holed burrows, with very little silk lining rather than having a lid like many other trapdoor spiders.

Mason said this makes the burrows very difficult to distinguish, even by an expert.

“What makes this discovery even more extraordinary is that it appears to be an undescribed species, not yet formally named or studied,” Mason said.

“This little arachnid is more than a scientific curiosity – it is a jewel of biodiversity.

“These long-lived spiders with ancient Gondwanan lineages, still persist in one of the few remaining patches of native habitat decimated by clearing and rapid land-use change.”

The researchers captured a single pregnant female spider for observation, with the mother and the spiderlings to be released back into the wild later at the same site.