New Species of Tarantula Discovered, Researchers Impressed With Its Massive Size and 'Hairy' Features
Experts have uncovered a new tarantula species, which has now become the hairiest member of its kind. The new species has been named Trichopelma grande by researchers, Newsweek reported. The aspect that made this specific tarantula species stand out compared to others, was its size and distinctive hair.
It was identified by David Ortiz of Masaryk University in Czechia and Elier Fonseca of the Cuban Zoological Society. Findings regarding the tarantula have been published in the Journal of Natural History.
According to the study, Trichopelma grande was found at Viñales National Park in Cuba. Experts tested the DNA they collected from the spider samples and also entered the creature's measurement in the World Spider Trait database, to confirm their discovery. Both the processes adjudged that they had discovered a new species. The team's analysis unveiled that the carapace of Trichopelma grande is larger than other spiders in the genus.
Researchers describe the creature as "a hairy giant among dwarves." Experts believe that the tarantula's unique size and hair were a result of their habitat. They explain that places in Greater Antillean islands like Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico have conditions that make them "natural laboratories of biogeography evolution." The organisms found in these areas are so diverse that some species, including these tarantulas, have had to undertake 'unique' adaptations to survive.
The discovered tarantula has been adjudged as the largest known spider of the Trichopelma species. Researchers have noted that the tarantula looks distinct from other members of the family, primarily because of having very long hairy legs. They seem to have a 'feather-like' appearance that has been called "duster-like" by experts.
The study further states that the tarantula's abdomen contains a pattern of spots and six transversal stripes, both of which are separated by a longitudinal light stripe. The whole body is covered with chestnut brown hairs except for the center and the back. The tarantula's head was also noted to be much larger than other spiders of the same genus.
Four members of the species were all found within 20 km (12 miles) of each other in the park. As per researchers, this implies that the species live in close vicinity to each other. This fact should make them a conservation priority, as an attack on that specific area by a predator could wipe out the entire species in one go.
"Given its limited distribution range, and its apparent absence in natural history collections despite its distinct appearance, this species might be scarce, positioning it as a potential conservation concern," the researchers explained.