Electroblemma bifida, the 0.06″ bizarre armored spider recently discovered. Image by Paul Selden
A new species of armored spider has been discovered after 99 million years encased in Burmese amber.
The species existed during the late Cretaceous period and has been noted for its bizarre body armor and long, horned fangs.
The spider has been added to the Tetrablemmidae family, a group that includes small but heavily armored spiders that live in subtropical and tropical regions of the Southern Hemisphere. The researchers named the species Electroblemma bifida. The name comes from the bizarre prongs at the projection of its carapace.
These prongs, or split tips, are extremely large when compared to extant (living) species, and would have held the spider’s eyes.
“This is a particularly bizarre form of this armored spider family,” according to University of Kansas paleontologist Paul Selden.
Ancient arachnid encased in Burmese amber
Adding to this species unique characteristics, Electroblemma also had extremely large horned fangs. The fangs are thought to be a sexual characteristic that enabled females and males to recognize one another. Or, the fangs may have been used for hunting or protection. It’s still up for debate.
How did they find this ancient arachnid?
Another exciting amber find
The people of Myanmar have used Burmese amber for various artforms for over 2,000 years. The amber is sought after and mined in the Hukawng Valley, and findings like this one have become relatively common. Nearly 10 tons of Cretaceous insect and arachnid fossils have been located in the last two decades alone!
What will they find next?
Amber examined after collection
