8-eyed creature — with personality like ‘Satan’ — discovered as new species in Ecuador
In the mountains of Ecuador lurked an eight-eyed creature with a “bad temperament.” When scientists encountered the hairy animal, they discovered its bristly personality — and a new species.
Researchers ventured into the forests of central Ecuador in 2021 in search of tree-dwelling spiders, according to a study published Dec. 13 in the journal ZooKeys.
They found one hairy spider inside a bamboo fence. The spider tried to defend itself then attempted to flee, making “quick sporadic movements, nearly too fast to see,” the study said.
It didn’t work.
Researchers captured the spider and took it to a research lab. They found three similar-looking spiders in archive collections and, taking a closer look, realized they’d discovered a new species: Psalmopoeus satanas, or the Satan tarantula.
The Satan tarantula can reach just under two inches in length, the study said. It has eight eyes, eight legs covered in “golden” hair and “long” “fringe” on its face.
Photos show the new species. It has a dark brown body and almost looks like it’s wearing fringed leg warmers.
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In the lab, researchers said they “grew very fond” of the tarantula, “in spite of the individual’s bad temperament and sporadic attacks.” This personality earned it the nickname “Satanas,” which is Spanish for “Satan.” The nickname stuck and inspired the name of the new species, the study said.
“Psalmopoeus satanas is appropriately named because the initial individual that was collected had an attitude!” the study’s lead co-author Pedro Peñaherrera-R. told McClatchy News via email.
The new species was identified by its male genitalia, female reproductive organs and habitat, the study said. Researchers did not provide a DNA analysis of the new species.
Satan tarantulas live in forests of the Andes mountains between elevations of about 2,800 feet and about 3,100 feet, researchers said.
So far, Satan tarantulas have been found in two neighboring provinces in central Ecuador, the Province of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas and the Province of Pichincha. The latter province includes Quito, the country’s capital.
Researchers suggested the new species might be critically endangered due to its limited habitat, deforestation and the introduction of non-native species.
The research team included Peñaherrera-R. and Roberto León-E. Researchers also discovered a second new species of tarantula.
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