A new species of giant tarantula, Trichopelma grande, has been discovered in Cuba. This tarantula is notable for its large size, hairy legs, and long, fluffy legs that resemble feather dusters. Researchers believe that these unique features may help the tarantula defend itself against predators.
Name: Hairy giant tarantula (Trichopelma grande) Where it lives: Western Cuba What it eats: Insects, lizards, frogs and other small reptiles Why it's awesome: Arachnophobes may not appreciate the discovery of a never-before-seen'giant' tarantula species, but for fans of these misunderstood creatures, Trichopelma grande is a special find. Not only is it larger and hairier than other spiders in its genus, it is the only kind with long, fluffy,'feather-duster' legs. T.
grande was first discovered in 2008 in Viñales National Park, a biodiversity hotspot in western Cuba. So far, only four specimens have been spotted: Three adult males and one juvenile male, all found in trap-door burrows on the ground. The Trichopelma genus is made up of 23 species, with members all being very small tarantulas. As its name suggests, T. grande is the largest known member of the genus with a body length ranging from 0.33 to 0.44 inches (8.4 to 11.2 millimetres). However, the spider's most recognizable feature is its unusually hairy legs. Hairy legs are typically associated with tree-dwelling tarantulas — called arboreal tarantulas — so this feature is very unusual for a ground-dwelling species. David Ortiz, a researcher at Masaryk University in Czechia and lead author of the study describing the species, said having long, hairy legs may help the tarantulas defend themselves against predators like birds or snakes. The feather-duster legs are even more interesting, and might be associated with predator deterrence — the hairier the more impressive,' Ortiz told Live Science in an emai
Tarantula Newly Discovered Cuba Giant Hairy Legs Predator Deterrence
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