Nine new species of Tree-dwelling Tarantulas identified - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

SAO PAULO (WKOW) -- The world of science makes a startling new discovery. Nine new species of tree-dwelling tarantulas have been identified in central and eastern Brazil.

Researchers say, the total in the area is now up to sixteen different species. Arboreal tarantulas are known from a few tropical places in Asia, Africa, South and Central America and the Caribbean. They generally have a lighter build, thinner bodies and longer legs than their ground-living cousins, which better suits them for their forest tree habitats.

The new species have been reported in the journal Zookeys by Rogerio Bertani, a tarantula specialist in Sao Paulo, Brazil. These species are in highly concentrated habitats in regions where they are suffering high pressure from human activities, researchers said.

In addition all the new species are colorful, the researchers said, which could constitute another, because it might make them attractive for the pet trade.