Hairy giant tarantula: The monster among mini tarantulas with 'feather

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Trichopelma grande, the recently found tarantula types with very hairy legs.
(Image credit: David Ortiz)

Call: Hairy huge tarantula(Trichopelma grande

Where it lives: Western Cuba

What it consumes: Bugs, lizards, frogs and other little reptiles

Why it’s incredible:

Arachnophobes might dislike the discovery of a never-before-seen “giant” tarantula types, however for fans of these misinterpreted animals, Trichopelma grande is an unique discover. Not just is it bigger and hairier than other spiders in its genus, it is the only kind with long, fluffy, “feather-duster” legs.

T. grande was very first found in 2008 in Viñales National Park, a biodiversity hotspot in western Cuba. Far, just 4 specimens have actually been found: Three adult males and one juvenile male, all discovered in trap-door burrows on the ground.

The Trichopelma genus is comprised of 23 types, with members all being extremely little tarantulas. As its name recommends, T. grande is the biggest recognized member of the genus with a body length varying from 0.33 to 0.44 inches(8.4 to 11.2 millimetres). The spider’s most identifiable function is its uncommonly hairy legs.

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Hairy legs are normally connected with tree-dwelling tarantulas– called arboreal tarantulas– so this function is extremely uncommon for a ground-dwelling types.

David Ortiza scientist at Masaryk University in Czechia and lead author of the research study explaining the typesstated having long, hairy legs might assist the tarantulas protect themselves versus predators like birds or snakes.

The brand-new tarantula types, T. grande.(Image credit: David Ortiz)

‘ Feather duster ‘legs

“The feather-duster legs are even more interesting, and might be associated with predator deterrence — the hairier the more impressive,” Ortiz informed Live Science in an e-mail. “This might be particularly useful for males, because they have a ‘wanderer’ way of life, unlike females, who remain in their burrows almost at all times. Females might not be as hairy as males, but we are not sure yet. But these are just hypotheses.”

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Having more leg hair most likely likewise increases the spider’s level of sensitivity to external stimuli, such as air currents, which assists them discover the motion of predators and victim. Being bigger might likewise assist the spiders to capture food, such as bugs, frogs, lizards and other little reptiles.

These tarantulas likely aren’t unsafe to human beings. “Tarantulas usually have a very mild sting, probably less powerful than a bee sting. I expect the same from this species,” Ortiz stated.

The males are nomadic and desert their homes to search for women to mate with. Since yet, no female tarantulas of this types have actually been found, so less is understood about their habits.

“I think that such a unique species deserves to be examined more deeply,” Ortiz stated. “The Viñales National Park is especially under threat by human activity (e.g., tree logging) and by extreme weather events like hurricanes. The valley of Viñales is deeply disturbed, and only forest patches remain untouched in the mogotes (hills) and sierras scattered along the valley.”

Lydia Smith is a health and science reporter who works for U.K. and U.S. publications. She is studying for an MSc in psychology at the University of Glasgow and has an MA in English literature from King’s College London.