Tarantula triumph: New species in Cuba faces extinction threat
Scientists have discovered a new species of tarantula in Cuba, which is threatened with extinction. This spider is found only in the Vinales municipality in the west of the island.
International scientists have identified a new tarantula species in Cuba that is facing extinction. This spider, Trichopelma grande, is found solely in the Vinales municipality in the island's western part. Research on this species continued until January 2025, revealing that it inhabits only the Vinales Nature Park area.
The first specimen of Trichopelma grande was discovered sixteen years ago, but it wasn't until 2024 that biologists confirmed it as a distinct species. In an article published in the "Journal of Natural History," David Ortiz from Masaryk University in Brno and Elier Fonseca from the Cuban Zoological Society excluded Trichopelma grande from the Cyrtopholis or Phormictopus genera. Genetic and morphological analyses confirmed that it is an endemic species to the Vinales park.
Trichopelma grande reaches a length of 1 inch and is the largest representative of its genus. It is characterised by dense body hair and legs covered with bristling hair. Scientists emphasise that its sting is "light," being less painful than a bee sting. This tarantula does not inhabit trees but lives on the ground and in burrows. By January 2025, only four specimens had been found, all of which were young males.
Challenges for scientists
As the "Dime Cuba" magazine points out, the discovery of Trichopelma grande was delayed due to the threat of extinction of this species, coupled with low financial investment in scientific research in Cuba.
The newly discovered species of Cuban tarantula is an important element of the region's biodiversity, and its protection is crucial for maintaining the unique ecosystem of the Vinales park.
Source: PAP
