Colombia: Researchers discover a new species of trapdoor spider, the “Kankuamo Marquezi” – France Soir

This is a story that will be to the liking of everyone. Researchers have discovered a new species of tarantula in the mountains of Santa Marta, in northern Colombia, they announced Wednesday 29 in the scientific journal online zookeys. Dubbed “Kankuamo Marquezi” in homage to the Colombian writer and Nobel Gabriel Garcia Marquez prices and indigenous inhabit this mountainous region, arachnid has the distinction of sinking its stinging hairs in the flesh of its prey.

“These hairs are often used as defense. But those are different from what is usually found on the bodies of spiders. They have a tip that can penetrate the skin and cause irritation,” says biologist Carlos Perafán, behind the discovery, New York Times. so while most tarantulas project their weapon on their target, it is approaching and pushes his hair directly into the skin of its prey. Another unique feature of this species, males do not have a penis, they have instead of bulbs at the ends of their front legs, through which the sperm is transferred to the female to fertilize says National Geographic .

Good news experts beasts with eight legs, however, aware that they are not after their surprises. “ We have already identified a thousand species of spiders, but there are still at least as yet to be identified,” concludes Gustavo Hormiga, a biologist specializing in spiders at George Washington University in the US.