Current:Home > reviewsNew "electrical" blue tarantula species found in Thailand: "Enchanting phenomenon"-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
New "electrical" blue tarantula species found in Thailand: "Enchanting phenomenon"
lotradecoin demo account features View Date:2024-12-26 05:20:02
Entomologists in Thailand have been stunned by an electrifying new species of tarantula found in the southern part of the country.
The spider, known as the Chilobrachys natanicharum, has a "blue-violet hue resembling the color of electrical sparks," researchers from the Entomology Museum at Khon Kaen University and the Natural History Museum of the National Science Museum said in a paper announcing the find. They called the tarantula's rare color an "enchanting phenomenon."
"The blue coloration in animals is a fascinating and relatively rare phenomenon in nature," researchers said. "Blue color in tarantulas is a unique instance of structural colors that evolved independently at least eight times."
The new species' name was chosen in a nationwide auction. The creature is named after the executives of Nichada Properties Co. Ltd., a real estate company.
Photos show that the spider has blue-purple hair on its legs and body. The coloring on the legs is "unique" and "iridescent," researchers said. Female spiders and young male spiders of the species have "more violet than metallic-blue hairs," while on male spiders, the bright blue color is more prominent. However, it's "less intense than in females."
Researchers said the spider seems to live within Thailand's southern mangrove forests. The arachnids live inside tree hollows there. The spiders may also live in evergreen forests. However, habitat destruction and the hunting of tarantulas has impacted the species: All tarantulas in Thailand are considered controlled wildlife in the country, and researchers emphasize the need to conserve and protect the species and their habitats.
- In:
- Thailand
Kerry Breen is a news editor and reporter for CBS News. Her reporting focuses on current events, breaking news and substance use.
veryGood! (16631)
Related
- A fiery Texas politician launched a legal assault on Google and Meta. And he's winning.
- Tennessee governor, music leaders launch push to protect songwriters and other artists against AI
- Experts explain health concerns about micro- and nanoplastics in water. Can you avoid them?
- Ready to vote in 2024? Here are the dates for Republican and Democratic primaries and caucuses, presidential election
- Australian Olympic Committee hits out at criticism of controversial breaker Rachael Gunn
- Small-town Nebraska voters remove school board member who tried to pull books from libraries
- Amy Schumer Unveils Topless Selfie With “40 Extra Lbs”
- New Mexico Legislature confronts gun violence, braces for future with less oil wealth
- Usher Cancels Atlanta Concert Hours Before Show to Rest and Heal
- Longest currently serving state senator in US plans to retire in South Carolina
Ranking
- Get 70% Off Kate Spade, 70% Off Coach, 40% Off Banana Republic, 40% Off Disney & Today's Top Deals
- Olympic fencers who fled Russia after invasion of Ukraine win support for U.S. citizenship
- Jessica Biel Proves Son Is Taking After Dad Justin Timberlake's Musical Interest in Rare Photo
- Arkansas’ prison board votes to fire corrections secretary
- Social media celebrates Chick-Fil-A's Banana Pudding Milkshake: 'Can I go get in line now?'
- Kentucky Derby purse raised to $5 million for 150th race in May
- South Carolina Republicans back trans youth health care ban despite pushback from parents, doctors
- See how every college football coach in US LBM Coaches Poll voted in final Top 25 rankings
Recommendation
-
Hurricane Ernesto aims for Bermuda after leaving many in Puerto Rico without power or water
-
Program to provide cash for pregnant women in Flint, Michigan, and families with newborns
-
Auburn fans celebrate Nick Saban's retirement in true Auburn fashion: By rolling Toomer's Corner
-
Nick Saban retiring after 2023 season. 226 weeks show dominance as Alabama coach
-
Hideki Matsuyama will be without regular caddie, coach after their passports and visas were stolen
-
Looking for a cheeseburger in paradise? You could soon find one along Jimmy Buffett Highway
-
Lloyd Austin didn’t want to share his prostate cancer struggle. Many men feel similarly.
-
German software giant SAP fined more than $220M to resolve US bribery allegations