Text written in partnership with Igor Nicodemo:
Cristina A. Rheims , a scientific researcher at the Butantan Institute and a fan of rock and metal, discovered new species of spiders in Brazil. As a tribute, she named the arachnids after rock idols.
The new genus of Sparianthinae, Extraordinarius , was discovered in southeastern Brazil. It includes Extraordinarius andrematosi , from São Paulo, E. brucedickinsoni , from Minas Gerais, and E. klausmeinei and E. rickalleni , from Espírito Santo.
In the original article, the author also highlights the uniqueness of these spiders in belonging to the only Neotropical genus of the subfamily (Sparianthinae) that exhibits in males a large pedipalp with a sclerotized conductor in the shape of a "Z". The pedipalp in males is used for reproduction.
In an interview with Wikimetal, Cristina spoke about her work:
“These species belong to a family of spiders (Sparassidae) that is part of my research. Until now, they hadn't been officially described. I've wanted to honor Rick Allen for some time now. I think he's an extraordinary person and an example of overcoming adversity. I had already gathered the material some time ago, but I hadn't actually sat down to do the work (one of those things that's been left "in the drawer"). When Andre [Matos] passed away, I decided to pay him homage. Since there were 4 species, I selected artists from bands that I like and named the genus Extraordinarius. First, because the creatures have some very different structures, and second, because the honorees are extraordinary.”
