New tarantula species in Cuba faces extinction threat
Scientists have discovered a new species of tarantula in Cuba, which is facing extinction. This spider is found only in Vinales municipality in the west of the island.
An international team of scientists has discovered a new species of tarantula in Cuba, which, unfortunately, is threatened with extinction. This spider, known as Trichopelma grande, occurs exclusively in the Vinales municipality in the western part of the island. Research on this species continued until January 2025 and showed that it inhabits only the Vinales Nature Park area.
The first specimen of Trichopelma grande was discovered sixteen years ago, but it was not until 2024 that biologists confirmed it as a separate 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 genera Cyrtopholis or Phormictopus. Genetic and morphological analyses confirmed it is a species endemic to the Vinales park.
Trichopelma grande reaches a length of 2.5 centimetres and is the largest representative of its genus. It is characterized by a dense covering of body hair and legs covered with bristling hair. Scientists emphasize that its sting is "mild," and its bite is 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 were found, all of which are young males.
Challenges for scientists
As pointed out by the "Dime Cuba" magazine, the discovery of Trichopelma grande was delayed due to the threat of this species becoming extinct on one hand, and, on the other, the low financial investment in scientific research in Cuba.
The newly discovered species of tarantula from Cuba is an essential part of the region's biodiversity, and its protection is crucial for preserving the unique ecosystem of the Vinales park.
