New Electrical Blue Tarantula And Unusual Eyelash Creature Discovered In Thailand
A new electrical blue tarantula and unusual eyelash creature discovered in Thailand as entomologists and scientists uncovered these discoveries in the country.
Author:Karan EmeryReviewer:Daniel JamesSep 21, 202321.6K Shares296.1K Views
A new electrical blue tarantula and unusual eyelash creature discovered in Thailandas entomologists and scientists uncovered these discoveries in the country. The first, a tarantula identified as Chilobrachys natanicharum, left the entomologists in awe due to its striking blue-violet color reminiscent of the brilliance of electrical sparks.
In their paper unveiling this discovery, researchers from the Entomology Museum at Khon Kaen University and the Natural History Museum of the National Science Museum marveled at the tarantula's extraordinary and rarely-seen color, describing it as a truly enchanting phenomenon.
“„The blue coloration in animals is a fascinating and relatively rare phenomenon in nature. Blue color in tarantulas is a unique instance of structural colors that evolved independently at least eight times.- Researchers
The naming of this newfound species was an outcome of a nationwide auction, and it bears the name of the executives at Nichada Properties Co. Ltd., a real estate company.
Photographs vividly depict the spider's distinct characteristics, featuring a covering of blue-purple hair adorning both its legs and body. Remarkably, the coloring on its legs exhibits a "unique" and "iridescent" quality, as noted by researchers.
In the case of female spiders and young males of this species, the hair appears to lean more towards a violet color with subtle metallic-blue undertones. Conversely, in mature males, the bright blue color takes center stage, albeit with slightly less intensity compared to their female counterparts.
Research indicates that these spiders predominantly inhabit the mangrove forests of southern Thailand, taking up residence within tree hollows. There's also evidence to suggest that they may be found in evergreen forests.
Unfortunately, the species faces significant challenges due to habitat destruction and tarantula hunting. Notably, all tarantulas in Thailand are categorized as controlled wildlife within the country. Researchers are therefore emphasizing the urgency of conservation efforts to protect both the species and its natural habitats.
Unusual Forest Creature Also Discovered
Deep within a lush forest in Thailand, a striking emerald-green creature was spotted moving gracefully across some big rocks. What made it stand out were its unusual features, including what looked like eyelashes. Turns out, this strange animal is a completely new type of reptile.
Scientists first saw it in 2016 in Satun province and were so intrigued by its unique appearance that they decided to search for more reptiles that looked similar. Their discoveries and research were shared in a study published on September 19 in a journal called Vertebrate Zoology.
While exploring the area near big limestone rocks hidden under dense plant growth, scientists found four more of these snakes. After carefully studying these snakes, they realized they had stumbled upon a brand-new snake species called the limestone eyelash pitviper, or Trimeresurus ciliaris.
This unique snake is relatively small, measuring about 17 inches in length. It's quite a sight to behold with its emerald-green body covered in dark red stripes. The snake has a triangular-shaped head and striking olive-green eyes, making it look like a precious gem in the forest.
One of the co-authors of the study, Nikolay Poyarkov, explained that the new species has a stunning appearance that serves a practical purpose. Its beautiful coloration helps it blend into the surfaces of limestone rocks that are often covered with mosses and lichens, allowing it to hide effectively.
This newly discovered species is venomous, according to Poyarkov, but the specific details about its venom remain unknown. When kept in captivity, the snake was observed to feed on frogs and small geckos, but its natural diet in the wild is still a mystery.
The species was given the name "ciliaris," derived from the Latin word for "eyelash." This name was chosen because of the scales above its eyes that resemble eyelashes or eyebrows, as described in the study. Typically, pitvipers have a single large scale above the eye that gives them a serious appearance, somewhat like an eyebrow. However, the new species has numerous small scales above the eye that give it a more cute and distinctive look, resembling eyelashes, according to Poyarkov.
The limestone eyelash pitvipers are a unique snake species found only in a specific area in Thailand, in Trang and Satun provinces, not too far from the Thailand-Malaysia border. There's a chance that a similar-looking snake lives in a neighboring part of Malaysia called Perlis, but scientists haven't confirmed it yet.
Researchers identified this new snake species by looking at things like its color, the patterns on its scales, and its private parts. When they checked its DNA, they found that it was quite different from other pitviper snakes, more so than the differences between many other known snake species in the same group.
To really understand these snakes better, scientists still need to study where they live, what they eat, how they make babies, how many of them there are, whether their numbers are going up or down, and how to protect them.
Karan Emery
Author
Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
Daniel James
Reviewer
Daniel James is a distinguished gerontologist, author, and professional coach known for his expertise in health and aging.
With degrees from Georgia Tech and UCLA, including a diploma in gerontology from the University of Boston, Daniel brings over 15 years of experience to his work.
His credentials also include a Professional Coaching Certification, enhancing his credibility in personal development and well-being.
In his free time, Daniel is an avid runner and tennis player, passionate about fitness, wellness, and staying active.
His commitment to improving lives through health education and coaching reflects his passion and dedication in both professional and personal endeavors.
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