Scientists Discover a New Genus of Tarantulas

by Max Moreno, age 9

The Bambootula was found in early January 2022. This spider is located in northern Thailand. Its scientific name is Taksinus Bambus, also known as Bambootula. This spider gets its unique name from the bamboo stems where it makes its home. Scientists say that this is the first time in 104 years that a person has found a new genus in Asia.

This spider lives in bamboo because it serves as a safe place to hide from predators. The spider can not make holes in the bamboo stem itself, so it finds one that is getting eaten or one that breaks naturally. When the spider is inside, it makes a retreat hole from silk to keep it secure and also help it move around.

This spider was found by a wildlife youtuber named JoCho Sippawat. Sippawat was cutting bamboo in the forest close to his house when the spider fell off a bamboo stem. Sippawat showed a picture of the spider to Narin Chomphuphuang, a biologist who studies spiders at Khon Kaen University in Thailand. As soon as Chomphuphuang and other scientists saw the picture, they knew right away that this was a new spider species.

While the Bambootula is a unique species, there may be many more species to come in the future as humans explore new regions and habitats.

[Source: ScienceNewsForStudents ]

What an interesting origin story! A very informative article. – Rachel T. , UW Madison (2022-06-23 12:52)

It's always exciting to hear about a new species. Great work, Max! – Kadjata , Madison East High School (2022-06-23 13:20)

Awesome reporting! A great source of information on a brand new species. :) – Megan R. , UW Madison (2022-06-23 13:38)