6 days ago
Genital Structure Of Newly Discovered Spider Species Stuns Scientists
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In the new tarantula species, males have palps up to 5 cm long — as long as their legs and nearly four times their body's upper part, far larger than in common tarantulas
Four new species of tarantula, a group of large and often hairy spiders, have been discovered, and one feature in particular has caused a stir in the scientific community: their unusually large reproductive organs.
Spiders do not possess a traditional penis. Instead, male spiders collect sperm from a duct attached to their abdomen and transfer it into the female using hand-like appendages called palps.
In these newly identified species, the palps are so large that researchers were left stunned. The largest male has palps measuring 5 centimetres in length, as long as his legs and 3.85 times the size of the upper part of his body. In comparison, a common tarantula's palps are typically only twice as long as its upper body.
These four species have been classified under a newly created genus named Satyrex. The name draws from the satyrs of Greek mythology, mischievous male spirits known for their distinctive features, while 'rex' means 'king'.
The largest species is Satyrex ferox ('ferox' meaning 'fierce'), recognised for its aggressive nature. The second, S. arabicus, was found in the Arabian Peninsula. The third, S. somalicus, was discovered in Somalia. The fourth, S. speciosus, stands out for its striking colours and beauty.
The question puzzling scientists is why these tarantulas have evolved such oversized palps. Research suggests they serve as a protective advantage for males. The extended reach allows males to mate while keeping a safe distance from the female, reducing the risk of being attacked.
In many spider species, mating is not without danger as females are known to kill and consume males afterwards. Long palps act as a safeguard, giving males a better chance of survival while still fulfilling their reproductive role.
This remarkable discovery, published in the journal ZooKeys, is being hailed as a striking example of evolution, where an organism has developed a unique adaptation that not only aids reproduction but also ensures its own survival.
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