Other than just being huge and scary spiders, Tarantulas have another intimidating tactic. Tarantulas know how to fight. Many of these arachnids defend themselves by javelin-like hairs from their abdomens at potential threats. However, a new species of tarantulas have a different tactic. The Kankuamo Marquezi was found in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range in Columbia. They are not afraid to get up close to their attackers. They use butt bristles, or urticating hairs, to stab their foes. These hairs are different from the ones surrounding their body. These hairs have a penetrating tip that allows the hair to embed into the skin or mucous membranes and cause irritation. Scientists have previously identified six different types of urticating hairs on tarantulas. The Kankuamo Marquezi adds a seventh. Their hairs are so different that not only are they classified as a different species, however, it is also classified as a new genus as well.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/30/science/tarantula-colombia-kankuamo-marquezi.html?rref=collection%2Fcolumn%2Ftrilobites&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=31&pgtype=collection
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/06/new-tarantula-spider-species-colombia-gabriel-garcia-marquez-animals/
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