Credit for Chilobrachys natanicharum: Yuranan Nanthaisong
A recently discovered species of tarantula in Thailand’s mangrove woodlands features a striking electric blue hue, attributable to unique nanoscale structures in its hair. This find accentuates the importance of taxonomical classification and calls for increased conservation measures.
A newly identified species of electric-blue tarantula has been located in the mangroves of Thailand, representing a notable scientific advancement.
“In the year 2022, we unearthed the bamboo culm tarantula, which is the first documented case of a tarantula species inhabiting bamboo stalks. Inspired by this initial find, our team embarked on another significant expedition. During this journey, we discovered an enthralling new species of tarantula characterized by its electric blue color,” stated Dr. Narin Chomphuphuang, the lead researcher.
Following the disclosure of Taksinus bambus in Thailand, Dr. Chomphuphuang and his research cohort, accompanied by local wildlife videographer JoCho Sippawat, initiated a survey in the Phang-Nga province. Here, they distinguished the new tarantula species by its singular electric-blue coloring, marking it as the first tarantula species ever documented in a Thai mangrove environment.
Credit for Chilobrachys natanicharum: Narin Chomphuphuang
Table of Contents
Unique Characteristics and Challenges in Capturing the Tarantula
“Our first specimen was located on a tree within the mangrove forest. These tarantulas occupy hollow trees, and the task of capturing one with such a vivid blue hue involves scaling a tree and enticing it out of an intricate web of hollow spaces, all in humid and slippery conditions. During the course of our fieldwork, we primarily conducted our exploration in the evening and night during periods of low tide, and managed to obtain only two specimens,” explained Narin.
“The striking blue hue is not the result of any blue pigment. Rather, it is generated by unique nanoscale structures within their hair that manipulate light to produce this vibrant blue coloring.”
Blue is among the least commonly occurring colors in nature, making its manifestation in animals a subject of keen interest. The mechanisms needed to appear blue require the absorption of minimal energy while reflecting high-energy blue light. The complexity of generating molecules capable of this absorption renders blue a rarity in the natural world. What heightens the intrigue is the tarantula’s capability to not only exhibit blue but also a resplendent violet shade, producing an extraordinary iridescent effect.
Credit for Chilobrachys natanicharum: Narin Chomphuphuang
Habitat Versatility and Taxonomic Classification
“This species was previously available on the commercial tarantula market under the moniker ‘Chilobrachys sp. Electric Blue Tarantula,’ but there was a lack of formal documentation regarding its unique characteristics or natural environment,” Narin added.
“These tarantulas display remarkable adaptability. They are capable of thriving in both tree-dwelling and ground-level habitats in evergreen forests. However, in mangrove ecosystems, they are limited to dwelling within hollow trees due to tidal influences,” further stated Narin.
Credit for Chilobrachys natanicharum: Yuranan Nanthaisong
Auctioning the Naming Rights and Philanthropic Impact
The official scientific name, Chilobrachys natanicharum, was conferred after a successful auction campaign. Nichada Properties Co., Ltd. of Thailand won the naming rights and chose a name that amalgamates the names of their company executives, Mr. Natakorn Changrew and Ms. Nichada Changrew.
All auction proceeds were allocated for educational programs benefiting Lahu children in Thailand and financially disadvantaged cancer patients.
“The Lahu community is an indigenous tribe situated in northern Thailand, known for its rich cultural heritage. Regrettably, a considerable number of Lahu children are denied educational opportunities due to financial constraints, thus limiting their future prospects. In addition, cancer continues to be a major global health concern, with numerous patients facing financial obstacles in accessing quality healthcare,” according to the published research paper dated September 18 in the journal ZooKeys.
The Imperative of Taxonomy and Ecological Preservation
“The understanding of taxonomy’s critical role in scientific investigation needs to permeate public consciousness. Its utility ranges from answering simple queries about spider identification on social media platforms to conducting indispensable research focused on species preservation,” Narin commented.
Mangrove ecosystems are increasingly vulnerable due to deforestation. Moreover, the newly discovered electric blue tarantula ranks among the world’s most scarce tarantula species. “This provokes an urgent query: Are human activities inadvertently causing the degradation of their natural habitats, thereby evicting these singular creatures from their native environments?” concluded the researchers.
Reference: “A New Electric-Blue Tarantula Species of the Genus Chilobrachys Karsh, 1892 from Thailand (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae)” by Narin Chomphuphuang, Zongtum Sippawat, Patipan Sriranan, Paveen Piyatrakulchai and Chaowalit Songsangchote, published on September 18, 2023, in ZooKeys.
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1180.106278
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Electric-blue tarantula discovery
Where was the new electric-blue tarantula species discovered?
The new species of electric-blue tarantula was discovered in the mangrove forests of Thailand’s Phang-Nga province.
What makes the tarantula’s electric-blue color so unique?
The electric-blue coloration of the tarantula is not due to pigments but arises from unique nanoscale structures in its hair. These structures manipulate light to produce the vibrant blue hue.
Who was involved in the discovery of this new species?
The research was led by Dr. Narin Chomphuphuang and included a team of researchers along with local wildlife videographer JoCho Sippawat.
What does this discovery mean for taxonomy and conservation?
This discovery emphasizes the critical role of taxonomy in biological research and raises significant concerns about the need for conservation, particularly for rare species inhabiting vulnerable ecosystems like mangroves.
What challenges did the researchers face while capturing the tarantula?
Capturing this particular tarantula species involved climbing trees and luring the creature out of complex hollow spaces within the trees, all under humid and slippery conditions.
Was this species known before its scientific identification?
Yes, the species was previously available in the commercial tarantula market under the name “Chilobrachys sp. Electric Blue Tarantula,” but it lacked formal scientific documentation.
How was the new species officially named?
The official scientific name, Chilobrachys natanicharum, was determined through an auction campaign. Nichada Properties Co., Ltd. won the auction and chose the name, which combines the names of their company executives.
What were the proceeds from the naming auction used for?
All proceeds from the auction were allocated for educational programs benefiting Lahu children in Thailand and financially disadvantaged cancer patients.
What does the discovery reveal about the tarantula’s habitat adaptability?
The electric-blue tarantula displays remarkable adaptability and can thrive in both arboreal and terrestrial habitats within evergreen forests.
What threats do mangrove forests and the new tarantula species face?
Mangrove forests are under the threat of deforestation, and the newly discovered electric-blue tarantula is among the world’s rarest tarantula species, raising urgent conservation concerns.
More about Electric-blue tarantula discovery
- Taxonomy and Its Importance in Scientific Research
- Conservation Efforts in Mangrove Forests
- Coloration Mechanisms in Nature
- Challenges of Wildlife Research in Humid and Slippery Conditions
- Deforestation and Its Impact on Biodiversity
- ZooKeys Journal
9 comments
Did they just auction off the name? thats a unique approach. glad the money is going for good causes.
omg, the color of this tarantula is outta this world. But what’s even more amazing is how it highlights the need for conservation. We gotta take care of our planet folks.
Been following tarantula taxonomy for years. This discovery is monumental. Finally, some spotlight on these misunderstood creatures.
Mangroves are treasure troves of biodiversity. the discovery just emphasizes how much we still don’t know and need to protect.
The fact that this tarantula is one of the world’s rarest really sets off alarm bells. Deforestation is a serious issue that needs immediate action.
Wait, so this thing was already in the pet market? Hope it wasn’t being miskept. Good thing science is catching up.
Impressed by the team’s work, especially Dr. Narin. Climbing trees in a mangrove, that’s some dedication. Hope this helps in conservation efforts.
Wow, this is incredible! Never thought I’d see the day when a tarantula is not just a thing of nightmares but also a thing of beauty.
Does anyone know what the Lahu children’s education will include? Hope it helps them sustain their culture.