In an exciting discovery, a new species of tarantula with electric blue coloration was found in Thailand. This tarantula, named Chilobrachys natanicharum, was discovered during a survey expedition in the Phang-Nga province. The unique feature of this tarantula is its vivid blue color, which is not caused by blue pigments but by the nanostructures in its hair. Blue coloration is rare in nature, making this finding particularly fascinating. The species is adaptable and can thrive in different habitats, but in mangrove forests, it resides inside tree hollows due to the influence of tides. The scientific name for this tarantula was chosen through an auction campaign, with the proceeds going to support education for Lahu children and cancer patients in Thailand. The researchers highlight the importance of taxonomy in research and raise concerns about the destruction of mangrove forests and its impact on the habitat of unique creatures like the electric blue tarantula.
https://phys.org/news/2023-09-jewel-forest-electric-blue-tarantula.html