[2] This revision is in contrast to Herbert Walter Levi's taxonomy, which considered it to be intraspecific variation within Spintharus flavidus.

The holotype was collected in Mensura-Piloto National Park, near Mayarí, Holguín Province.

On the spider's back is an ornate pattern halfway between a distorted smiley face and grimace.

[2] Part of the diagnosis of S. berniesandersi includes the combination of four specific mitochondrial DNA nucleotide substitutions.

[2] The specific name honors Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, whom the authors describe as "a tireless fighter for human rights and equality, and environmentally aware social democracy".