New research has unveiled the astonishing finding of a captivating electric blue tarantula species in Thailand.
During their expedition to Phang-Nga province in southern Thailand, a team of Thai researchers made an exciting discovery. They identified a previously unknown species of tarantula that possesses a captivating blue-violet shade, evoking images of vibrant electric blue sparks. Narin Chomphuphuang, a researcher at the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Khon Kaen University, shared this intriguing information with CNN on Monday.
The study detailing the discovery was published in the research journal ZooKeys on September 18.
Due to difficult conditions, the team were only able to capture two specimens to study.
Courtesy Narin Chomphuphuang
In addition to the researchers who found the species in a mangrove forest, Thai wildlife YouTuber JoCho Sippawat, who is also a co-author of the recently published paper, was part of the team. The same team previously discovered a previously unknown tarantula species, now known as Taksinus bambus, that was found to inhabit the hollowed stems of bamboo plants in Thailand last year.
To raise awareness and support for the indigenous Lahu people of northern Thailand, of which Sippawat is a member, the team organized an auction to give the public the opportunity to name the new species. The name chosen, Chilobrachys natanicharum, is a combination of the names of two executives from the company that won the naming campaign.
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"Blue coloration in animals is especially intriguing due to its rarity in nature," stated Chomphuphuang.
According to the researchers, this coloration is derived from the organization of "biological photonic nanostructures, as opposed to pigments."
The electric blue color is not due to the presence of blue pigmentation but rather the unique structure of their hair. The hair incorporates nanostructures that manipulate light to create this striking blue appearance, according to Chomphuphuang.
The scarcity of blue in nature arises from difficulties in absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light. In order to appear blue, an object must absorb minimal energy while reflecting high-energy blue light. This poses a challenging task.
The tarantula's distinctive coloration is attributed to two kinds of hairs, "metallic-blue and violet ones," which can be found on various areas of its body such as the legs, the chelicera (pincer-like protrusions in front of the mouth), and the carapace (upper shell).
The vivid violet and metallic blue hues are more noticeable on certain areas of the body.
Courtesy Narin Chomphuphuang
The coloring and other characteristics of the spiders vary according to their sex and age. According to the study, females and young males exhibit more violet colored hairs on certain parts of their body rather than metallic blue.
As the researchers have found a newly discovered tarantula that resides in tree hollows, capturing it becomes challenging. Chomphuphuang mentioned that they had to climb trees in order to entice the tarantula out.
"We were able to gather merely two specimens during our expedition, as we ventured out in the evening and at night amidst low tide," he further stated.
As per the research paper, Chilobrachys natanicharum, previously identified solely as "Chilobrachys sp. Electric Blue Tarantula," had been encountered in the commercial tarantula trade market, lacking any details on its traits or native environments.
The Chilobrachys natanicharum is a unique tarantula species that thrives in both terrestrial and arboreal habitats, showcasing its remarkable adaptability, stated the researchers. Unfortunately, due to the drastic reduction of mangrove forests, primarily caused by deforestation, the electric blue tarantula, according to Chomphuphuang, has become one of the most endangered tarantulas globally.