Researchers found four new types of tarantulas in Arabia and Africa. They named the new group Satyrex. The male tarantulas have very long palps, which are body parts that help in mating.
Dr. Alireza Zamani led the study from the University of Turku. He said these tarantulas look and behave differently from others. They needed a new classification. The name Satyrex comes from the Greek word for “man-beast” and the Latin word for “king.”
The biggest species, Satyrex ferox, has a leg span of about 14 cm. The male palps can reach up to 5 cm. This size is nearly four times the length of its body front. The species name ferox means “fierce.” These spiders are very defensive and can make loud hissing sounds when disturbed.
The other new species are called S. arabicus and S. somalicus, named after their locations. Satyrex longimanus was already known but was reclassified. All species spend much of their time underground in burrows.
