Researchers from the University of Georgia have identified a new species of tarantula in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona, raising the possibility that more undiscovered species could inhabit the region’s poorly explored landscapes.
This newly identified species, named Aphonopelma jacobii, is small, black and gray, with distinctive red hairs on its abdomen. Unlike most tarantulas, which are typically associated with arid desert environments, A. jacobii thrives in the cooler, forested areas of the Chiricahua Mountains.
The discovery of A. jacobii originated from a case of mistaken identity. Initially collected in 2019, these spiders were thought to belong to Aphonopelma chiricahua, a species already known to inhabit the same mountain range. However, DNA analysis revealed distinct genetic markers that set these spiders apart from A. chiricahua.
To further investigate, scientists returned to the Chiricahua Mountains in 2020 to collect additional specimens. Their analysis confirmed that these tarantulas were indeed a new species, now officially recognized as A. jacobii.
The species is named in honor of Michael A. Jacobi, who played a crucial role in collecting the initial specimens that led to this classification.
“This marks the 30th documented tarantula species in the United States,” noted Chris Hamilton, an assistant professor at the University of Idaho and co-lead author of the study on A. jacobii.
The discovery not only adds to the diversity of tarantulas in the U.S. but also suggests that there may be more species awaiting discovery in the Chiricahua Mountains and similar regions.