A new species of electric blue tarantula has been found in mangroves in Thailand. Its color is attributed to the unique hair nanostructure, and the species underscores the importance of taxonomy and the need for conservation efforts. "In 2022, the bamboo stalk tarantula was discovered, the first known tarantula species to live in bamboo stalks. Researcher Dr Narin Chomphuphuang said: "As a result of this discovery, we were inspired to rejoin the team on a fantastic expedition during which we encountered a fascinating new species of electric blue tarantula. "
After discovering Taksinus bambus in Thailand, he and his research team embarked on an investigative expedition in Phang Nga province along with local wildlife YouTuber JoCho Sippawat. There, they identified a new tarantula species based on the tarantula's distinctive electric blue body color. This is the first tarantula species found in mangroves in Thailand.
Adventure apocalypse and the unique colors of spiders
"The first specimen we found was on a tree in the mangrove forest. These tarantulas inhabit hollow trees, and the difficulty of catching electric blue tarantulas is that they need to climb into the trees and lure them out of complex hollow trees in a wet and slippery environment. "During our expeditions, we walked in the evening and at low tide in the evening and collected only two. "
"The secret behind our tarantulas' vivid blue color lies not in the presence of blue pigments, but in the unique structure of their hair, where the nanostructures are able to manipulate light to create this striking blue appearance."
Blue is one of the rarest colors in nature, so the blue color on animals is particularly fascinating. To appear blue, an object needs to absorb a very small amount of energy while reflecting high-energy blue light. Producing molecules capable of absorbing this energy is very complex, so blue is relatively rare in nature. What's even more fascinating is that it not only shows blue, but also beautiful purple hues, creating an extraordinary rainbow effect.
Identification and habitat adaptation
"The species has been seen in the commercial tarantula market. There, it was called "Chilobrachys sp." Electric Blue Tarantula, "but there is no literature describing its unique features or natural habitat," Narin said.
"Electric blue spiders have shown extraordinary adaptability. These tarantulas can thrive in arboreal and terrestrial burrows in evergreen forests. However, in mangroves, their habitat is limited to tree holes due to the influence of tides. "
Nomenclature of new species and their impact
The scientific name of Chilobrachys natanicharum was chosen after a new species naming auction. The winner of the auction was Thailand's Nichada Properties Ltd., which proposed to combine the names of Mr. Natakorn Changrew and Ms. Nichada Changrew of the company's executives. All proceeds from the auction were donated to the education of Lahu children in Thailand and poor cancer patients.
"The Lahu are an indigenous hill tribe in northern Thailand (Musoe) known for their vibrant culture and traditional way of life. Unfortunately, many Lahu children lack access to education because of poverty, which limits their future development opportunities. In addition, cancer remains a major public health problem worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. Many cancer patients are financially strained, which makes it harder for them to access high-quality treatment. "We believe that everyone deserves high-quality health care regardless of economic status," the researchers wrote in their paper, which was just published Sept. 18 in the journal ZooKeys.
The importance of classification and the issue of protection
"It is critical that the public understand the importance of taxonomy as the basis for research. Taxonomy plays a vital role, from the most basic, such as people asking spiders for their names on social media, to conducting important research aimed at protecting these species from extinction." Narin said.
Mangroves face an imminent threat of deforestation. The electric blue tarantula is also one of the rarest tarantulas in the world. This raises a key question: "Did we inadvertently cause damage to their natural habitats, driving these unique creatures out of their homes?" "