This unusual looking spider was identified as belonging to a group of tarantulas known as horned baboon spiders. The “horn” of this spider is short and stiff. However, in the new species, the strange structure is more elongated and soft.

The poisonous spider Tarantula with a strange horn growing on its back has just been discovered.

The researchers collected eight individuals of the newly discovered species named Ceratogyrus attonitifer.

Previously, surveys were conducted in southeastern Angola in 2015 and 2016. The species name of the new spider is derived from the Latin “attonit”, meaning “amazing”.

The dense fur of the Ceratogyrus attonitifer spider is quite short, black, covering most of its body, with an average length of about 34 mm.

The horn on the back of the spider Ceratogyrus attonitifer is both surprising and mysterious, because scientists have not yet figured out what these spiders use it for.

Ceratogyrus attonitifer spiders are known to not only live in burrows but also in open sandy areas; The tunnels descend vertically about 40 cm and terminate in a horizontal chamber.

According to studies, these spiders fiercely protect their homes when they encounter objects they consider at risk of attack.

While the Ceratogyrus attonitifer spider may be new to scientists, it has been known to local residents for a long time. This spider is called “chandachuly” in the Luchazi language by the people of the area.

Information from indigenous people revealed that Ceratogyrus attonitifer spiders prey mainly on insects and their extremely poisonous bite can lead to fatal infections in humans if the bite is not treated promptly.