New Tarantula Species Discovered in Romblon by Philippine and German Researchers

Tarantula Photo Credit: PIA

A collaborative team of researchers from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Romblon State University (RSU), and Germany’s Theraphosid Research Team has identified a new species of tarantula in Romblon, Philippines.

Characteristics of Tarantulas

Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders, but despite their fearsome appearance, most pose minimal threat to humans. Their venom is typically no more potent than a bee sting.

The New Species: Selenobrachys ustromsupasius

The newly discovered tarantula has been named Selenobrachys ustromsupasius in recognition of several Philippine institutions, including:

University of Santo Tomas (UST)
Romblon State University (RSU)
Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology
University of the Philippines Diliman
Philippine Arachnological Society, Inc.

Research Findings and Publication

The discovery was published in the international journal ZooKeys on March 31, 2025, under the study:

“Taxonomic revalidation of Selenobrachys Schmidt, 1999 and Chilocosmia Schmidt & von Wirth, 1992 based on morphological and molecular analyses (Araneae, Theraphosidae), with the description of a new species from Romblon Island, Philippines.”

Using morphological, biogeographical, and molecular analyses, the researchers resolved taxonomic classifications of the genera Selenobrachys and Chilocosmia, now reclassified under Orphnaecus.

Potential Medical Applications

Beyond taxonomy, the team is investigating spider venom’s bioactive compounds for possible therapeutic uses. This research is part of the DOST-funded program GAGAMBA (Gamot Mula sa Gagamba at Mananaliksik ng Bayan), which explores venom-derived medicines.

Research Team

The study was led by:

UST researchers: Darrell C. Acuña, Maria Mikaela U. Dumbrique, Lorenz Rheum P. Ragasa, Charles Nylxon C. Noriega, Assoc. Prof. Myla R. Santiago-Bautista, Asst. Prof. Leonardo A. Guevarra, Jr., and Asst. Prof. Maricel C. Rañido.
RSU collaborators: Anna Beatriz R. Mayor, Gregorio Antonio Florendo Jr., and Mary Jane A. Fadri.
German contributor: Volker von Wirth (Theraphosid Research Team).

Other Native Philippine Tarantulas

The Philippines is also home to other tarantula species, such as the Philippine Tangerine tarantula.

Source: Philippine Information Agency [PIA]

Other related Articles:

•New Species of Ginger discovered in Mindanao

•Tunsoy (Fimbriated sardines) Smoked Fish Industry in Pasacao, Camarines Sur

•How to make Lactic acid bateria serum?

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