Scientists found a new tarantula species in Northwestern Iran in line with the Tarantula Appreciation Day this August. The Persian Gold Tarantula is unique, with golden hairs.
Scientists have been researching species unknown to science, especially spiders and tarantulas. Identifying species is vital to conservation, protecting them from extinction or population decline.
Persian Gold Tarantula
Mexican Brachypelma Harmorii tarantulaby PERDIANSYAH/AFP via Getty Images
According to recent reports published in Phys.org and Zookeys, the researchers managed to identify a new species of tarantula found in Northwestern Iran, belonging to Chaetopelma.
Research authors Dr. Alireza Zamani from the University of Turku in Finland and Rick C. West discovered the Persian Gold Tarantula with golden hairs by studying the specimen.
The discovery was made possible after a local nature enthusiast Mehdi Gavahyan captured the unique Persian Gold Tarantula that seemed unknown to science.
The first specimen sent was a female tarantula.
The Persian Gold Tarantula (Chaetopelma persianum) is from a small genus. They can also be found in the Middle East, Crete and Sudan.
In addition, the report explained that the Persian Gold Tarantula showed respect to the country where it was discovered, adding to the third discovered tarantula species in the country.
Tarantulas have noticeable hairs around their body. The use of pesticides and the threat of habitat destruction affect the tarantula species.
Meanwhile, the Persian Gold Tarantula loves to burrow in parts of the Northern Zagros Mountains.
More facts about tarantulas
According to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, tarantulas thrive in dry areas, including grassland and deserts. In the U.S., the report noted that tarantulas can also be found in Central and South America.
As mentioned, tarantulas have noticeable hairs that can be used to defend against attackers or predators.
In terms of diet, tarantulas like to find prey at night. They feed on small insects, including beetles, grasshoppers and spiders. Their venom can paralyze their prey.
Tarantulas can lay eggs from 75 to 1,000. To protect the eggs, the mother or female tarantulas make a cocoon and guard them against intruders.
However, the report noted the over-collection of tarantulas as pets. Some places eat tarantulas.
Meanwhile, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) explained that people could likely see male tarantulas because they roam around to find a female tarantula partner.
To attract females, the NWF noted that male tarantulas can make webs to get attention or signal a female tarantula. It is a mating strategy for the males.
