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7329
From: Redhart, [DNS_Address]
Subject: New "electric blue" tarantula found in Thailand
URL: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-electrical-blue-tarantula-species-discovered-in-thailand/
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New "electrical" blue tarantula species found in Thailand: "Enchanting phenomenon" BY KERRY BREEN SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 / 1:03 PM / CBS NEWS WORLD New "electrical" blue tarantula species found in Thailand: "Enchanting phenomenon" BY KERRY BREEN SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 / 1:03 PM / CBS NEWS 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. |
7330
From: shadow, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: New "electric blue" tarantula found in Thailand
| Wow, beautiful... |
7331
From: Redhart, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: New "electric blue" tarantula found in Thailand
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yeah...kinda (in a creepy way). Since we discovered a tarantula burrow in the back yard..(female, safely moved her to a safer location away from the family dog lol), I've gained a new respect for these hairy, but gentle, little creatures. We found another last week (California Ebony tarantula)..a male, probably looking for that female we moved lol.. During these adventures, I read up on them and learned more about them. Really cool little guys. The electric blue is stunning. I'm hoping they don't get immediately exploited by collectors. I've also discovered there's whole communities that compete to collect the most rare types. I could have gotten $100 for either of the two found in my yard (is that crazy?). We moved them (not killed or captured or sold them). I wouldn't do that to these guys. They're living their best hairy little lives and gave me an opportunity to learn and appreciate them as they passed through. My view...live and let live. Enjoy..discover..appreciate, but they are far more valuable in the wild than in someone's terrarium in a basement. |
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7332
From: shadow, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: New "electric blue" tarantula found in Thailand
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Agreed, absolutely. And yes, hopefully they'll thrive despite those collecting/selling...arrrrrrgh..... ;( Not sure what it is, usually critters with many legs don't draw me so much...lol...but I've always loved tarantulas. ;) Seeing photos of them back in Chicago growing up, there just seemed to be a different energy about them. Then my first time in AZ, we stopped at a restaurant on I17 that had a pet tarantula, and they let me hold him in my palm. After that I'd keep an eye out for them on the move in groups, in August... Have had one show up indoors several times over these years, in different dwellings, despite there not being an aperture big enough for them to come in through, seemingly. Was always able to hang out with it, coax it into my hand, felt no fear of it at all...which came in very handy for then gently walking it back outdoors to release. Each time I was amazed it didn't try to run or jump off my hand even when I started moving. Bless their hairy little lives indeed, best where they belong... ;) |
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