Deep in a mangrove forest in Thailand, a bright blue critter was found nestled inside its web in the hollow of a tree. Scientists studying tarantulas in the Phang-Nga province realized this animal is a new arachnid species.

Jewel of the Forest

Wildlife enthusiast JoCho Sippawat owns a YouTube account with 3.25 million subscribers who love to watch his expeditions in Thailand. In 2022, he teamed up with spider researcher Narin Chomphuphuang of Khon Kaen University in an exploration that led to the discovery of bamboo culm tarantula (Taksinus bambus). These new arachnid species live in bamboo stalks.

After announcing the discovery of bamboo-dwelling spiders, the team embarked on a survey expedition in the Phang-Nga province. In their recent hike into a mangrove forest, they discovered a new species of tarantula with an electrifying blue color.

The species they discovered is Chilobrachys natanicharum, a dazzling electric blue spider that is as large as a human palm. This is the first tarantula species ever discovered in a Thai mangrove forest. The first specimen they found was on a hollow mangrove tree, and they had difficulty catching these tarantulas since they had to climb a tree and lure it out of a complex of hollows amid humid and slippery conditions.

Arachnologists are aware of the existence of this spider since it was already found circulating in the commercial pet trade, but its habitat and natural behavior remain unknown. A study on the exotic pet trade in 2022 revealed that more than 1,200 species of spiders were traded online, with tarantulas as one of the most exploited groups. Its electric blue appearance can easily catch someone's attention and make it an attractive commodity.

While new animal species are sometimes named after their discoverers or fictional characters, the electric blue tarantula has an unusual name origin. The naming rights were sold through a charity auction that benefits the Indigenous Lahu hill tribe in Thailand. The winner of this campaign was Nichada Properties Co., which suggested a combination of the names of their company executives, Mr. Natakorn Changrew and Ms. Nichada Changrew.

READ ALSO: New Tarantula Species With Golden Hairs Discovered in Iran Through Social Media [See Photos]

Secret of the Electric Blue Color

The secret behind the vivid blue coloration of the tarantula does not lie in the presence of blue pigments. Instead, their body hair contains a unique structure incorporating nanoparticles that manipulate light to make a striking blue appearance.

Blue is one of the rarest colors to appear in nature, making blue coloration in animals particularly fascinating. An object must absorb tiny amounts of energy to appear blue while reflecting high-frequency blue light. The ability to generate molecules that are capable of absorbing this energy is a complex one, and this makes blue a relatively rare color in nature. In the case of electric blue spiders, what makes them more fascinating is their ability to not only display blue but also a beautiful violet hue, creating a remarkable iridescent effect.

Aside from its unique color, the electric blue tarantula also demonstrates unusual adaptability. They can thrive in arboreal as well as terrestrial environments in evergreen forests. However, mangrove forests' habitat is restricted to residing inside tree hollows due to the effects of tides.

RELATED ARTICLE: Bambootula: Never Before Seen Tarantula Discovered in High Forests of Thailand by Wildlife YouTuber

Check out more news and information on Tarantula in Science Times.