Researchers have identified four previously unknown species of tarantula in the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa, but they turned out to be much rarer than expected.
“Based on both morphological and molecular data, they are so different from their closest relatives that we had to establish an entirely new genus to classify them, which we named Satyrex,” explains Dr. Alireza Zamani from the University of Turku, who led the study.
The name Satilex is satyra half-man, half-animal figure from Greek mythology known for his exaggerated anatomy, with a Latin word. roarmeaning “king”.
Record-breaking anatomy distinguishes these tarantulas
This unusual name reflects a remarkable biological feature. “These male spiders have the longest palps of all known tarantulas,” says Dr. Zamani. The pulp is a specialized appendage that male spiders use to transport sperm during copulation.
Among the seeds satyrex feroxIt is the largest member of the group and can reach approximately 14 cm with its legs spread. The male palps alone can grow to about 5 cm, which is almost four times the length of the front part of the body and about the same length as the spider’s longest leg.
Fierce action and amazing defense
The species name ferox means “fierce” and its behavior is exactly what it sounds like. “This species is very defensive. If it is disturbed in the slightest, it will raise its front legs in a threatening position and make a loud hissing sound by rubbing the special hairs at the base of the front legs against each other,” Dr. Zamani explains.
Researchers believe that the exaggerated length of the males’ palps may serve an important survival function. “We tentatively suspect that long palpatations may allow males to maintain a safe distance during mating, helping them avoid attack and predation by highly aggressive females.”
Naming new species and reclassifying old species
The newly described species is cent arabic and S. Somalicusnamed after the area where it was discovered. S.Beautifulgets its name from its bright and attractive color. This genus also includes older species, S. long armfirst described in Yemen in 1903 and previously assigned to a separate genus.
“Despite having elongated palps, Satyrex longimanus was previously classified in the genus Monocentropus. The male’s palps are only about 1.6 times the length of the carapace, well within the typical range of 1.5 to 2 times found in tarantulas. The long crab Satyrex longimanus and the four newly described species were one of the key features establishing a new genus of these spiders. So it appears that, at least in tarantula taxonomy, size really does matter,” concludes Dr. Zamani.
Underground biology and scientific publications
All members of the genus Satyrex are fossilized organisms, meaning they spend their entire lives underground. They build burrows at the base of shrubs and in spaces between rocks.
The findings were published in an open access journal Zookey.
