A new electric-blue tarantula species, Chilobrachys natanicharum, has been described by scientists in Thailand, making it the first-known tarantula species in Thai mangroves.
The electric-blue tarantula, Chilobrachys natanicharum, found in Thailand’s mangroves. Image courtesy of Yuranan Nanthaisong. “Our primary goal is to raise awareness globally about the Lahu people, an Indigenous hill tribe in northern Thailand, who are still in need of educational support,” Narin told Mongabay. “JoCho Sippawat, being a member of the Lahu community, has a unique opportunity to help Lahu children who lack access to education.”
Unlike related tarantulas that live exclusively in bamboo, researchers say this species shows “remarkable adaptability.” It thrives in arboreal and terrestrial burrows within mangrove and evergreen forests at elevations up to 57 meters .