In a rare and fascinating discovery, scientists have found a new species of spider that is neither fully male nor female. The spider, named Damarchus inazuma, has its body perfectly divided into two halves, one bright orange and one grey, with each side showing distinct male and female features.
The study, published in the journal Zootaxa, confirmed the spider as the first recorded case of gynandromorphism in the Bemmeridae family and only the third known example in the mygalomorph group, which includes tarantulas. Gynandromorphism is a rare biological condition in which an organism has both male and female tissues and physical characteristics.
Kunsete, a doctoral student of biology at Chulalongkorn University, said he became interested after seeing a photograph of the spider online. "His Facebook post featuring a photograph of a gynandromorph spider immediately captured my interest," Kunsete told the media outlet in an email.
"Upon contacting him, I discerned that the specimen was not only a gynandromorph but also morphologically distinct from any previously described species. This prompted me to seek collaboration with Mr. Limrudee and other colleagues. Through the collection and analysis of additional specimens, we were able to confirm that the specimen indeed represents a new species."
According to the researchers, the condition may have resulted from disruptions in sex chromosomes during early development. Environmental factors or parasites could also have influenced it, though more study is needed to confirm the cause.
"However, related families, such as Theraphosidae and Barychelidae, are known to possess venom glands. Moreover, during fieldwork, we frequently observed this spider exhibiting aggressive displays, including the baring of fangs and occasionally the production of droplets at the fang tips. Based on these observations, I infer that the species is probably venomous (to small insects?)."
A spider split in two
Researchers from Chulalongkorn University discovered the unusual spider in a forest area near Nong Rong, Thailand, while digging for predators. What caught their attention was its strikingly symmetrical body, the left side displaying female traits like larger fangs and orange colouration, and the right side showing male traits such as smaller size and a greyish-white tone.The study, published in the journal Zootaxa, confirmed the spider as the first recorded case of gynandromorphism in the Bemmeridae family and only the third known example in the mygalomorph group, which includes tarantulas. Gynandromorphism is a rare biological condition in which an organism has both male and female tissues and physical characteristics.
How rare spider was discovered
"I am indebted to numerous individuals for this discovery, particularly Mr. Surin Limrudee," said the study’s lead author, entomologist Chawakorn Kunsete, as quoted by Forbes.Kunsete, a doctoral student of biology at Chulalongkorn University, said he became interested after seeing a photograph of the spider online. "His Facebook post featuring a photograph of a gynandromorph spider immediately captured my interest," Kunsete told the media outlet in an email.
"Upon contacting him, I discerned that the specimen was not only a gynandromorph but also morphologically distinct from any previously described species. This prompted me to seek collaboration with Mr. Limrudee and other colleagues. Through the collection and analysis of additional specimens, we were able to confirm that the specimen indeed represents a new species."
According to the researchers, the condition may have resulted from disruptions in sex chromosomes during early development. Environmental factors or parasites could also have influenced it, though more study is needed to confirm the cause.
Is it venomous?
"There are no formal studies concerning the venom of this species, nor are there documented bite records," Kunsete said."However, related families, such as Theraphosidae and Barychelidae, are known to possess venom glands. Moreover, during fieldwork, we frequently observed this spider exhibiting aggressive displays, including the baring of fangs and occasionally the production of droplets at the fang tips. Based on these observations, I infer that the species is probably venomous (to small insects?)."
