New species of electric blue tarantula, a rare color in animals

2023-09-22 10:41:30

Chilobrachys natanicharum. – YURANAN NANTHAISONG

MADRID, 22 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –

A new species of tarantula with a distinctive electric blue coloration has been discovered in a mangrove forest in the Thai province of Phang-Nga, in the south of the country.

“The first specimen we found was in a mangrove tree. These tarantulas live in hollow trees, and the difficulty of catching an electric blue tarantula lies in the need to climb a tree and lure it out of a complex of holes in the middle of humidity,” explains Narin Chomphuphuang, from Khon Kaen University, whose finding has been published in the ZooKeys magazine.

“The secret behind our tarantula’s vivid blue coloration lies not in the presence of blue pigments, but in the unique structure of its hair, which incorporates nanostructures that manipulate light to create this striking blue appearance,” said.

Blue is one of the rarest colors that appear in nature., which makes blue coloration in animals particularly fascinating. To appear blue, an object it needs to absorb very small amounts of energy while reflecting high-energy blue light. Generating molecules capable of absorbing this energy is complex, which makes blue in nature relatively rare. What is even more fascinating is its ability to show not only the blue but also a beautiful violet tone, creating an extraordinary iridescent effect.

“This species was previously found in the commercial tarantula market. It was known there as ‘Chilobrachys sp. Electric Blue Tarantula,’ but There was no documentation that described its distinctive characteristics or its natural habitat,” Narin said.

The electric blue tarantula demonstrates remarkable adaptability. These tarantulas can thrive in both arboreal and terrestrial burrows in evergreen forests. However, when it comes to mangrove forests, their habitat is limited to residing within the hollows of trees due to the influence of the tides. .