When Dr. Brent Hendrixson, tarantula expert extraordinaire, set out on the final hike of his sabbatical in the Chiricahua Mountains, he wasn’t expecting to meet an eight-legged surprise. But when a rare tarantula crossed his path on Halloween, he knew he’d found more than just a spooky encounter—he’d discovered a new species.
Dr. Brent Hendrixson and friend. (NOTE: This is not the new species, it is a female Aphonopelma Chiricahua.)
A dedicated arachnologist with more than 25 years of experience studying the tarantulas of North America, Dr. Hendrixson made the exciting discovery that adds a new chapter to the rich biodiversity of the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona. His discovery, a new species of tarantula, was made under extraordinary circumstances and serves as a testament to the unique research opportunities provided by Millsaps College.
The Discovery: A Serendipitous Encounter
In the fall of 2018, Dr. Hendrixson embarked on a field trip to the Chiricahua Mountains. It was Halloween, and after several months of grueling fieldwork, he was ready to return home. However, a friend, Mike Jacobi, persuaded him to go on one final hike. Little did they know, this decision would lead to a groundbreaking discovery.
As they drove back from the hike in the high mountains, Dr. Hendrixson noticed an adult male tarantula on the dirt road. Despite the cold and windy conditions, which are atypical for tarantulas, he immediately recognized the significance of what he was seeing. “Stop the car!” he shouted. “We parked and searched around for a bit, saw another male, then Mike spotted a hole that looked like it could be a tarantula burrow,” Dr. Hendrixson explained.
His experience told him that this could be a new species. As he poured water into the burrow, eight legs of an adult female emerged, confirming the presence of a tarantula unlike any others he had ever seen.
Years of Research and Analysis
The discovery set off a years-long research process. Dr. Hendrixson, alongside his longtime friend and collaborator Dr. Chris Hamilton from the University of Idaho and one of Hamilton’s graduate students, conducted extensive DNA and morphological analyses. These efforts culminated in identifying a previously undiscovered species, which they named Aphonopelma jacobii. True to his word, Dr. Hendrixson named the species after his friend whose encouragement led to the discovery. The findings were recently published adding a new species to the genus Aphonopelma, which already comprises 54 nominal species across the southern United States, Mexico and Central America. The new species inhabits high-elevation mixed conifer forests in the Chiricahua Mountains.
Millsaps College: A Hub for Research and Discovery
Dr. Hendrixson’s discovery is not just a triumph for arachnology but also highlights the unique environment at Millsaps College that fosters such groundbreaking work. Since joining Millsaps in 2008, Dr. Hendrixson has benefited from the college’s strong support for faculty research and its commitment to providing students with hands-on learning experiences that are typically reserved for graduate-level programs. “Millsaps has been incredibly supportive throughout my tenure here,” Dr. Hendrixson said. “Not only have they provided me with the time and resources to conduct my research, but they’ve also created an environment where students can engage in high-level scientific work from an early stage in their academic careers.” At Millsaps, students are not just passive learners; they actively participate in research projects, gaining skills that set them apart from their peers at other institutions. In Dr. Hendrixson’s lab, undergraduates are trained to perform DNA extractions, Polymerase Chain Reaction, DNA sequencing analysis and other advanced techniques that are often not introduced until graduate school. His students have also contributed to several other projects and been co-authors on peer-reviewed publications. These opportunities equip students with the tools they need to succeed in their future careers, whether in academia, industry or other fields.
A Species with a Story
The discovery of Aphonopelma jacobii is particularly significant as it adds to our understanding of the unique tarantula diversity within the Madrean Archipelago, a series of isolated mountain ranges known as the “Sky Islands.” These ranges are home to a remarkable array of species, many of which are native to the region. The research conducted by Dr. Hendrixson and his colleagues not only identified the new species but also provided insights into the complex biogeographic history of the Chiricahua Mountains. Their findings revealed that Aphonopelma jacobii is more closely related to Aphonopelma marxi, a species found on the Colorado Plateau, than to other species in the Madrean Sky Islands. This discovery underscores the importance of continued research in these biodiversity hotspots, particularly as they face increasing threats from climate change and human activity.
The Eight-Legged Legacy at Millsaps
Dr. Hendrixson’s discovery of Aphonopelma jacobii is an achievement that reflects both his dedication to arachnology and the supportive, research-focused environment at Millsaps. This new species, found under such unexpected circumstances, not only adds to our understanding of tarantula diversity but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the unique ecosystems in which they thrive. For Millsaps students, Dr. Hendrixson’s work is a source of inspiration, demonstrating the potential for discovery and innovation when passion is combined with hard work, the right resources and opportunities. As Millsaps continues to support cutting-edge research, it remains a place where both faculty and students can explore, discover and contribute to the broader scientific community.