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Damarchus Inazuma: Scientists have found a new orange and grey spider that is not a male or female
Scientists in Thailand have unearthed a remarkable new spider species, Damarchus inazuma, exhibiting perfect gynandromorphism. This rare creature displays distinct male and female characteristics on each perfectly divided half of its body, one bright orange and the other grey. The discovery marks a significant find in arachnid biology, offering insights into unusual developmental processes.
In a rare and fascinating discovery, scientists have found a new species of spider that is neither fully male nor female. The spider, named , has its body perfectly divided into two halves, one bright orange and one grey, with each side showing distinct male and female features.
A spider split in two
Researchers from Chulalongkorn University discovered the unusual spider in a forest area near Nong Rong, Thailand, while digging for predators. What caught their attention was its strikingly symmetrical body, the left side displaying female traits like larger fangs and orange colouration, and the right side showing male traits such as smaller size and a greyish-white tone.The study, published in the journal , confirmed the spider as the first recorded case of gynandromorphism in the Bemmeridae family and only the third known example in the mygalomorph group, which includes tarantulas. Gynandromorphism is a rare biological condition in which an organism has both male and female tissues and physical characteristics.
How rare spider was discovered
"I am indebted to numerous individuals for this discovery, particularly Mr. Surin Limrudee," said the study's lead author, entomologist Chawakorn Kunsete, as quoted by .Kunsete, a doctoral student of biology at Chulalongkorn University, said he became interested after seeing a photograph of the spider online. "His Facebook post featuring a photograph of a gynandromorph spider immediately captured my interest," Kunsete told the media outlet in an email.
"Upon contacting him, I discerned that the specimen was not only a gynandromorph but also morphologically distinct from any previously described species. This prompted me to seek collaboration with Mr. Limrudee and other colleagues. Through the collection and analysis of additional specimens, we were able to confirm that the specimen indeed represents a new species."
According to the researchers, the condition may have resulted from disruptions in sex chromosomes during early development. Environmental factors or parasites could also have influenced it, though more study is needed to confirm the cause.
Is it venomous?
"There are no formal studies concerning the venom of this species, nor are there documented bite records," Kunsete said."However, related families, such as Theraphosidae and Barychelidae, are known to possess venom glands. Moreover, during fieldwork, we frequently observed this spider exhibiting aggressive displays, including the baring of fangs and occasionally the production of droplets at the fang tips. Based on these observations, I infer that the species is probably venomous (to small insects?)."
A rare wonder of nature
The discovery of adds to the small list of known spiders that carry both male and female traits. With its half-orange, half-grey appearance, this Thai spider stands as one of nature's rarest examples of biological duality, a creature that is not just one, but both.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: Damarchus inazuma,orange and grey spider discovery,new spider species,gynandromorphism in spiders,Damarchus inazuma spider
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