Jewel of the Forest: Thailand Unveils New Electric Blue Tarantula Species

In a thrilling and groundbreaking discovery, a brand new species of tarantula has been unearthed in Thailand, boasting a mesmerizing electric blue hue. “In 2022, we stumbled upon the bamboo culm tarantula, a remarkable find as it is the first known tarantula species to inhabit bamboo stalks. This discovery ignited our passion for exploration, leading us on an extraordinary expedition where we encountered the captivating electric blue tarantula,” shared Dr. Narin Chomphuphuang, a dedicated researcher. Following the announcement of Taksinus bambus in Thailand, Dr. Chomphuphuang and his team, accompanied by local wildlife YouTuber JoCho Sippawat, embarked on a survey expedition in the Phang-Nga province. It was there that they identified the new tarantula species, distinguished by its striking electric-blue coloration. This remarkable find marks the first-ever discovery of a tarantula species in a Thai mangrove forest. “Our first encounter with this species was on a tree in the mangrove forest. These tarantulas inhabit hollow trees, and capturing an electric-blue tarantula is no easy feat. It requires climbing trees and coaxing them out of complex hollows in the midst of humid and slippery conditions. During our expedition, we ventured out in the evening and at night during low tide, managing to collect only two specimens,” Narin explained. The discovery of Chilobrachys natanicharum. Credit: JoCho Sippawat “The secret behind the vivid blue coloration of our tarantula lies not in the presence of blue pigments, but rather in the unique structure of their hair, which incorporates nanostructures that manipulate light to create this striking blue appearance.” Blue is an exceptionally rare color in nature, making the blue coloration in animals particularly captivating. To appear blue, an object must absorb minimal energy while reflecting high-energy blue light. Generating molecules capable of absorbing this energy is a complex process, resulting in the rarity of blue in nature. What’s even more fascinating is that this tarantula can display not only blue but also a beautiful violet hue, creating a remarkable iridescent effect. “This species was previously found in the commercial tarantula market, known as the ‘Chilobrachys sp. Electric Blue Tarantula.’ However, no documentation existed describing its distinctive features or natural habitat,” Narin revealed. “The electric blue tarantula showcases remarkable adaptability. These tarantulas can thrive in both arboreal and terrestrial burrows in evergreen forests. However, in mangrove forests, their habitat is limited to residing inside tree hollows due to the influence of tides,” Narin continued. The scientific name Chilobrachys natanicharum was chosen through an auction campaign to name the new species. The winning bid came from Nichada Properties Co., Ltd., Thailand, who proposed combining the names of company executives Mr. Natakorn Changrew and Ms. Nichada Changrew. All proceeds from the auction were donated to support the education of Lahu children in Thailand and aid poor cancer patients. “The Lahu people are an Indigenous hill tribe in northern Thailand (Musoe) and are known for their vibrant culture and traditional way of life. Unfortunately, many Lahu children face limited opportunities for their future due to poverty and lack of access to education. Additionally, cancer remains a significant global public health issue, affecting millions of people each year.” “Numerous cancer patients struggle with financial hardships, which further hinder their access to quality care. We firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, deserves access to quality healthcare,” the researchers emphasized in their recently published paper in the journal ZooKeys. “It is crucial for the general public to recognize the importance of taxonomy as a fundamental aspect of research. Taxonomy plays a vital role, from answering basic inquiries about spider names on social media to conducting essential research aimed at preserving these species and preventing their extinction,” Narin stressed. Mangrove forests are facing the imminent threat of deforestation, while the electric blue tarantula stands as one of the world’s rarest tarantulas. “This raises a critical question: Are we unintentionally contributing to the destruction of their natural habitats, forcing these unique creatures out of their homes?” the researchers pondered in conclusion.