22-07-2025
Hairy ‘dwarf'-like creature found lurking in tree in Laos. It's a new species
In a mountainous forest of southeastern Asia, a 'dwarf'-like creature tucked its hairy body into the hollow of a tree. Its 'opportunistic' lifestyle and small size likely helped it go unnoticed — until visiting scientists spotted it.
It turned out to be a new species.
A team of Thai and Laotian scientists visited the forests of southern Laos in August 2023 to survey spiders, according to a study published July 22 in the peer-reviewed journal ZooKeys.
During the visit, researchers found several small tarantulas that didn't quite match any known records, the study said. They took a closer look at the animals and soon realized they'd discovered a new species: Phlogiellus khampheng, or the Khampheng dwarf tarantula.
Khampheng dwarf tarantulas can reach about half an inch in size, the study said. Like other spiders, they have eight eyes and eight legs.
Photos show the 'dark brown' hue of the new species. 'Short, grayish white hairs' cover its body and legs, the study said.
Khampheng dwarf tarantulas were found in a mountain forest at an elevation of about 870 feet, researchers said. 'The spiders are opportunistic utilizing various microhabitats such as soil walls, under rocks, beneath timber, within cracks in timber, and inside tree hollows.'
In each of these places, researchers found Khampheng dwarf tarantula nests with a 'silk structure' surrounding the entrance. Photos show some spiders in their silk nest.
Inside these 'retreats' were ant and termite remains, indicating these insects 'form a significant part of (the new species') diet,' researchers said.
Researchers said they named the new species after a Lao and Thai word 'used as a term of endearment to refer to someone who is cherished and precious to the speaker… By choosing this name, the authors sought to convey the special and valuable relationship between Thailand and Laos, the two countries that collaborated closely in the discovery of this remarkable new tarantula species.'
So far, the new species has only been found near Pakse, a city in southern Laos, the study said. Laos is a landlocked country bordering Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
The new species was identified by its DNA, reproductive system and other subtle physical features, the study said.
The research team included Patipan Sriranan, Chaowalit Songsangchote, Odeth Sihavong, Phoukhanh Sayavongsa, Keolamphanh Sidavong, Lilammone Satakoun, Khamla Inkhavilay, Narin Chomphuphuang and Ray Gabriel.
