Spider senses tarantula tingling: Arachnologists spin a web of discovery in Thailand

[snoop1130]

 

If you go down in the Thailand woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise, but it’s almost guaranteed there’ll be no Teddy Bears’ picnic, as arachnologists found while discovering a new species of tarantula.

 

Arachnologists discovered the new species of tarantula deep in a mangrove forest in Phang Nga province, on the southwestern coast of Thailand. They stumbled upon a tiny, bright blue tarantula spider nestled inside a web in a tree hollow. The Arachnologists immediately realised it was a new species.

 

This fresh arachnid entrant, now officially known as Chilobrachys natanicharum, was unveiled to the world through a study published yesterday, September 18 in ZooKeys. What makes these tarantulas stand out is their exceptional blue-violet colouration, resembling the glint of electrical sparks.

 

The male tarantulas, meticulously catalogued by researchers, exhibit a size range of approximately 1.51 to 2.19 inches, while their female counterparts measure between 2.24 and 2.66 inches, as disclosed in the study. These captivating creatures boast dark grey legs, with the upper segments adorned in dark hair, transitioning into a metallic blue and violet hue towards the lower sections. Their abdomens and spinnerets are cloaked in a rich shade of dark brown.

 

A distinct difference surfaces when it comes to the carapaces. Males display jet-black carapaces, the upper regions of their bodies, whereas females sport a captivating mix of metallic-blue and violet hairs, elegantly interspersed across their carapaces.

 

By Bob Scott

Caption: Picture courtesy of ZooKeys

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-09-19

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

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[Moonlover]

Spiders usually get a tolerant welcome in our house as we know they take down other less welcome intruders. I wonder what these little guys live on.

[topt]

14 hours ago, Moonlover said:

Spiders usually get a tolerant welcome in our house as we know they take down other less welcome intruders. I wonder what these little guys live on.

I know you said usually but unfortunately I don't think I would be very tolerant if I found any kind of poisonous creature in or around where I lived....... 

[PETERTHEEATER]

5 hours ago, topt said:

I know you said usually but unfortunately I don't think I would be very tolerant if I found any kind of poisonous creature in or around where I lived....... 

Don't eat them.

[stoner]

thaiger man thaiger man does whatever a thaiger can.