Misamis Oriental, Philippines — In a groundbreaking discovery that highlights the rich biodiversity of Mindanao, a new species of tarantula has been identified within the Mimbilisan Protected Landscape in Misamis Oriental. The newly described species, Orphnaecus mimbilisanensis, is the first of its genus to be recorded on mainland Mindanao and only the second in the entire Mindanao faunal region.
This exciting find expands the known diversity of the Orphnaecus genus, which previously comprised only three species found on the Philippine islands of Luzon, Polillo, and Dinagat. With the addition of O. mimbilisanensis, the genus now includes four known species, solidifying the Philippines as a hotspot for theraphosid (tarantula) diversity in Southeast Asia.
The new species was described through detailed analysis of specimens collected during fieldwork in Mimbilisan. According to the research team, O. mimbilisanensis can be distinguished from its relatives by several unique characteristics, including its carapace profile, leg structure, and genital morphology. Its discovery also marks a significant contribution to the taxonomy and distribution knowledge of Philippine tarantulas.
The species was discovered and described by Joshua Sumogat and Dr. Olga Nuñeza of the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), in collaboration with Darrell Camacho Acuña of the Philippine Arachnological Society, Inc. Their work exemplifies the crucial role of both academic institutions and citizen scientists in advancing biodiversity research.
This scientific milestone would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of several institutions and individuals. The researchers extended their heartfelt thanks to the forest rangers and Bantay Lasang of the Mimbilisan Protected Landscape, CENRO Gingoog, MEP Lab (PRISM), Sampling Buddies, DOST-ASTHRDP, UST-RCNAS, and Project GAGAMBA. Special acknowledgment was also given to Mr. Volker von Wirth (Germany) and Ms. A.-E. Leguin (France) for providing crucial specimen images from European museum collections. The Philippine National Museum (PNM) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños Museum of Natural History (UPLB-MNH) also played key roles by granting access to valuable reference materials.
The discovery of Orphnaecus mimbilisanensis underscores the importance of continued biodiversity research and conservation in the Philippines, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like the Mimbilisan Protected Landscape. As habitat loss and environmental threats persist, such findings serve as both a celebration of nature’s hidden wonders and a call to protect them.