Yemen - August 04, 2025 Arabian Peninsula and Horn of Africa – Researchers have discovered four new tarantula species so distinct that they created a brand-new genus named Satyrex. The males of these spiders possess the longest palps ever recorded in tarantulas — reproductive appendages used during mating. In Satyrex ferox, the largest species, the male palp measures an astonishing 5 cm, nearly four times the length of the front of its body. Satyrex ferox lives up to its name, which means “fierce.” When disturbed, it raises its front legs and emits a loud hissing sound by rubbing specialized hairs on its legs. Scientists believe the extraordinary length of the male palps helps keep males at a safer distance during mating, avoiding attacks by aggressive females. The new genus also includes species named after their regions — Satyrex arabicus and Satyrex somalicus — and a brightly colored species, Satyrex speciosus. An older species from Yemen, previously classified elsewhere, also belongs to this genus due to its elongated palps. All members of Satyrex live underground, digging burrows beneath shrubs or rocks.