A new species of electric blue tarantula has been discovered in the mangroves of Thailand. Its color is attributed to the unique nanostructure of the hair, and the species underscores the importance of taxonomy and the need for conservation efforts."In 2022, the bamboo stalk wolf spider was discovered, the first wolf spider species known to live in bamboo stalks. Because 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 wolf spider." "
After discovering Taksinusbambus in Thailand, he and his research team embarked on a survey expedition in Phang Nga province with local wildlife YouTuber Jo Cho Sippawat. There, they identified the new wolf spider species based on its unique electric blue coloration. This is the first wolf spider species discovered in Thailand's mangrove forests.
Adventure revelations and unique colors of spiders
"The first specimen we found was in a tree in the mangrove forest. These tarantulas live in hollow trees, and the difficulty of catching the electric blue tarantula is that you need to climb the tree and lure it out of the complex hollow tree in a wet and slippery environment." Narine said: "During our expedition, we walked in the evening and evening at low tide and collected only two."
"The secret behind the vivid blue color of our tarantulas lies not in the presence of blue pigments, but in the unique structure of their hairs, whose nanostructures are able to manipulate light to create this striking blue appearance."
Blue is one of the rarest colors in nature, so the color blue on animals is particularly captivating. To appear blue, an object needs to absorb a very small amount of energy while reflecting high-energy blue light. Creating molecules capable of absorbing this energy is very complex, so blue is relatively rare in nature. Even more fascinating is that it displays not only blue, but also beautiful purple hues, creating an extraordinary rainbow effect.
Identification and habitat adaptability
"This species has been seen in the commercial tarantula market. There, it was known as 'Chilobrachys sp. Electric Blue Tarantula,' but there is no documentation describing its unique characteristics or natural habitat," Narin said.
"Electric blue spiders show remarkable adaptability. These tarantulas can thrive in arboreal and terrestrial caves in evergreen forests. However, in mangroves, their habitat is limited to tree cavities due to the influence of tides."
The naming of new species and its impact
The scientific name of Chilobrachysnatanicharum was chosen following an auction for naming new species. The winner of the auction was Thailand's Nichada Properties Co Ltd, which suggested combining the names of company executives Mr Natakorn Changrew and Ms Nichada Changrew. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the education of Lahu children and poor cancer patients in Thailand.
"The Lahu people are an indigenous hill tribe in northern Thailand (Musoe), known for their vibrant culture and traditional way of life. Unfortunately, many Lahu children are unable to receive education due to poverty, which makes their future development opportunities very limited. In addition, cancer remains a major global public health problem, affecting every year "Millions of people. Many cancer patients are financially strapped, making it more difficult for them to access high-quality care," the researchers wrote in their paper, which was just published on September 18 in the journal ZooKeys.
Importance of classification and conservation issues
"It is vital that the public understands the importance of taxonomy as a basis for research. Taxonomy plays a vital role, from the most basic, like when people ask the name of a spider on social media, to conducting important research aimed at protecting these species from extinction." Nalin said.
Mangroves face an imminent threat from deforestation. The electric blue wolf spider is also one of the rarest wolf spiders in the world. This raises a key question: "Are we inadvertently causing damage to their natural habitat, driving these unique creatures from their home," the researchers conclude.