Nightmare arachnid and cryptic viper: Terrifying new species unveiled!

Scientists unearthed a new species of eight-eyed tarantula with the attitude of "Satan" and a "cryptic" 3-foot snake that lurks in swamps recently, and they were the stuff of nightmares. They stumbled upon the freakish hairy spider in the mountains of central and western Ecuador while searching for new species of tree spiders in 2021, as detailed in a study published this week in ZooKey, reported New York Post.

Here are some interesting facts about eight-eyed tarantula

1. Researchers discovered a new species of tarantula, officially named Psalmopoeus satanas or Satan tarantula, in the mountains of central and western Ecuador in 2021.

2. The tarantula, known for its "bad temperament," resisted capture with quick and sporadic movements, making it challenging for researchers.

3. Despite its attitude, scientists at Universidad San Francisco de Quito grew fond of the specimen during their study, describing it as appropriately named due to its initial aggressive behaviour.

4. The Satan tarantula, with a dark-brown colour, is just under 2 inches in length, featuring eight eyes and eight legs covered with golden hairs.

5. Species of the Psalmopoeus genus, including the Satan tarantula, are venomous, posing potential threats to humans.

6. The study suggests that the newly discovered spider species should be considered "critically endangered" due to threats to its ecosystem, including illegal mining and agriculture industries.

7. In central Myanmar's mangrove swamps, a new snake species was discovered, initially misidentified as a known species of pit vipers in 2000.

8. DNA analysis later revealed that the snake species, named Trimeresurus ayeyarwadyensis or Ayeyarwady pit viper, is distinct and unique.

9. Ayeyarwady pit vipers can grow over 3 feet long, displaying light green colour on their backs and white on their bellies, with eyes ranging from deep red to golden.

10. Like all vipers, the Ayeyarwady pit viper is venomous, adding to the diversity of snake species in the mangrove swamps of central Myanmar.