Current:Home > StocksA new tarantula species is discovered in Arizona: What to know about the creepy crawler -MoneyBase
A new tarantula species is discovered in Arizona: What to know about the creepy crawler
View
Date:2025-04-16 13:58:05
Scientists have found a new species of tarantula, a fiery redhead or red-reared arachnid, in Arizona, and the discovery was "rather unexpected."
“We often hear about new species being discovered from remote corners of Earth, but it is remarkable that these spiders are found in our own backyard, albeit in somewhat difficult-to-access areas of our backyard," Chris Hamilton, co-lead author of the study in ZooKeys that reported on the spider and an assistant professor at the University of Idaho, said in a statement. “With Earth in the midst of a human-mediated extinction crisis, it is astonishing how little we know about our planet’s biodiversity, even for conspicuous and charismatic groups such as tarantulas.”
On Aug. 19, EurekAlert published a news release announcing the eight-legged discovery. The spider is gray and black and has a "fiery red" abdomen.
This fuzzy little guy, named Aphonopelma jacobii, is the 30th species of tarantula to be documented in the U.S., according to the news release. It was named after Michael Jacobi, who "helped find several of the first specimens which led to the description of this new species."
But the tarantula could face dangers or even go extinct because of climate change.
Beware of giant spiders:Thousands of tarantulas to emerge in 3 states for mating season
Where was it discovered?
The tarantula was discovered in the forests of the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona, where it lives through "bitterly cold winters."
The mountains are "renowned for their exceptional biodiversity," according to the news release.
There are high levels of endemism, meaning many species are unique to the area.
The mountains comprise a piece of the Madrean Archipelago, also known as the Madrean Sky Islands.
The "islands" that make up the forested mountain ranges are separated by deserts and arid grassland that reach across the Cordilleran gap from the Colorado Plateau to the Rocky Mountains in the southwestern United States and then to the Sierra Madre Occidental in northwestern Mexico.
Because the mountains evolved in isolation, conditions led to the origin of numerous short-range endemic species. They created "mosaic of biodiversity unlike that of any other region in the United States."
Its natural habitat is threatened
The tarantula's natural habitat is being threatened by climate change, according to the news release.
"Recent studies in the Sky Island region suggest that these forests will be 'pushed off' the mountains over the next several decades as temperatures and precipitation continue to increase and decrease, respectively," the release said. "Organisms adapted to these cooler and more humid mountain tops − such as these spiders − will likely become extinct as suitable habitat disappears."
These spiders also are threatened by the following, according to Brent Hendrixson, co-lead author of the study and professor at Millsaps College:
- Increased exurban development
- Destructive recreational activities
- Wildfires
"In addition, there is some concern that these tarantulas will be exploited for the exotic pet trade due to their rarity, striking coloration and docile disposition," Hendrixson said. "We must consider the impact that unethical collectors might have on these spiders when determining the threats to this species and the implications for its conservation.”
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on X, formerly Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz.
veryGood! (487)
Related
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Danny Trejo celebrates 55 years of sobriety: I've done this one day at a time
- University of Michigan graduate instructors end 5-month strike, approve contract
- Las Vegas Aces celebrated at White House for WNBA championship
- The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
- How Microsoft Executive Jared Bridegan's Ex-Wife Ended Up Charged With His Murder
- Bronny James diagnosed with congenital heart defect, family 'confident' he'll play in 'near future'
- Trump's mug shot in Fulton County released
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Two prisoners in South Dakota charged with attempted murder in attack on guards
Ranking
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Have mercy! John Stamos celebrates 'the other side of 60' in nude Instagram post
- A Michigan storm with 75 mph winds downs trees and power lines; several people are killed
- Ashnikko's 'Weedkiller' takes you into a queer dystopian world
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- Is $4.3 million the new retirement number?
- Armed with traffic cones, protesters are immobilizing driverless cars
- President Joe Biden says he will request more funding for a new coronavirus vaccine
Recommendation
What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
Justice Department sues SpaceX for alleged hiring discrimination against refugees and others
Yale and a student group are settling a mental health discrimination lawsuit
Woman allegedly kidnapped by fake Uber driver rescued after slipping note to gas station customer
California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
Bray Wyatt was a creative genius who wasn't afraid to take risks, and it more than paid off
This Is How Mandy Moore’s Son Ozzie Hit a Major Milestone
Think you've been hacked? Take a 60-second Google security check