CHILOBRACHYS NATANICHARUM (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Recently, a new species of tarantula Chilobrachys natanicharum was recently found. around the mangrove forest of Thailand.

Chilobrachys natanicharum

• Family: Theraphosidae.
• Thailand's mangroves recently revealed their first tarantula species.
• Previously, the Electric Blue Tarantula was sought after in the exotic spider trade.
• The striking blue color of the Electric Blue Tarantula doesn't result from pigmentation but from nanostructures in their hair that manipulate light.
• The unique hair structures can be found on various parts of the tarantula's body, including its legs, mouth appendages, and upper shell.
• The adaptable Electric Blue Tarantula can thrive in both arboreal and terrestrial burrows in evergreen forests.
• In mangrove forests, they are limited to residing in tree hollows due to tidal influences.