What does ANSIE mean in NAMES AND NICKNAMES

Anna Sophia Dippenaar-Schoeman, known as ANSIE, is a South African arachnologist and taxonomist who has described and named over 500 species of spiders. She is a leading expert in the taxonomy and systematics of spiders, particularly in the family Araneidae.

ANSIE's research primarily focuses on the taxonomy, systematics, and faunistics of spiders, particularly in the family Araneidae. She has described and named numerous new spider species and conducted extensive research on the biodiversity and distribution of spiders in various regions.

ANSIE has significantly contributed to the field of arachnology through her extensive research and publications. She has described and named over 500 new spider species, revised and updated the classification of various spider families, and provided valuable insights into the evolutionary relationships and biodiversity of spiders.

ANSIE has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to arachnology, including the International Society of Arachnology's Bonnet Award, the South African Academy of Science and Arts' Havenga Prize for Zoology, and the University of Pretoria's Vice-Chancellor's Award for Research.

Yes, ANSIE remains actively involved in arachnology as a professor at the University of Pretoria and a research associate at the Iziko South African Museum. She continues to conduct research on spider taxonomy, systematics, and biodiversity, and she mentors and trains aspiring arachnologists.