Overview

• An integrative morphological and molecular study published in ZooKeys formally establishes Satyrex as a new tarantula genus.
• Satyrex comprises four newly described species—S. ferox, S. arabicus, S. somalicus, S. speciosus—and reclassifies the formerly described S. longimanus.
• Males of the genus bear palps 2.23–3.85 times the length of their carapace, the longest recorded among tarantulas, with S. ferox palps reaching up to 5 cm.
• The oversized palps are hypothesized to function as a safety buffer during mating, though further field observations are needed to confirm this cannibalism-avoidance role.
• All Satyrex species are fossorial and exhibit defensive behaviors such as threat postures and hissing when disturbed.