New red-bellied tarantula has been discovered in Arizona. Here's what we know

Arizona is in the news again but it's not because of the heat.

Scientists have discovered a new tarantula species, Aphonopelma jacobii, in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. This newly identified species features a distinctive red abdomen and is the 30th documented tarantula species in the U.S.

The discovery, reported in ZooKeys , a peer-reviewed scientific journal that focuses on taxonomy and systematics in zoology, highlights the exceptional biodiversity of the Chiricahua region, known for its unique and isolated ecosystems. The new tarantula species was named in honor of Michael Jacobi , who contributed to the initial discovery of the specimens of this new species.

New Arizona tarantula is already risk of extinction

Despite it having just recently been discovered, the Aphonopelma jacobii tarantula is at risk of extinction due to threats from climate change and habitat loss.

This tarantula's habitat is threatened by climate change, increased development, destructive recreational activities and wildfires. Studies suggest that rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns may lead to the loss of suitable habitat in southern Arizona's Sky Island region, potentially driving these spiders toward extinction.

“With Earth in the midst of a human-mediated extinction crisis, it is astonishing how little we know about our planet’s biodiversity, even for conspicuous and charismatic groups such as tarantulas,” Chris Hamilton, co-lead author of the study in ZooKeys and an assistant professor at the University of Idaho, said in a statement .

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Is the new Arizona tarantula dangerous?

The Aphonopelma jacobii tarantula poses no significant threat to humans. Its docile nature and striking appearance have drawn interest, but its rarity and striking coloration have raised concerns about potential exploitation in the exotic pet trade.

Other Arizona tarantula species

The Grand Canyon State also is home to the Arizona blonde tarantula . It's found in sandy and rocky areas, often residing in burrows they dig or take over.

Arizona blonde tarantulas are favored as pets because they are less likely to bite than some other tarantula species and they typically exhibit less aggression.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: New red-bellied tarantula has been discovered in Arizona. Here's what we know