New Species of Spider Named After the ‘Harry Potter’ Sorting Hat
We hear ya, Ron!! But, this new species of spider discovered in India doesn’t seem so scary. In fact, it looks down right magical and, the scientists that discovered it agree.
The new species of spider discovered by Javed Ahmed, Rajashree Khalap, and Sumukha J. N. has been named Eriovixia gryffindori due to the striking likenesses to the Hogwarts Sorting Hat from Harry Potter. Check it out!
Eriovixia gryffindori; our new species named after the sorting hat from @jk_rowling books Kudos to my brilliant coauthor @INDogProject pic.twitter.com/L8U0aeXdak
— Javed Ahmed (@curiocritters) December 10, 2016
A paper published in the Indian Journal of Arachnology describes how the scientist drew inspiration from the magical books/films for the name:
“This uniquely shaped spider derives its name from the fabulous, sentient magical artifact, the sorting hat, owned by the (fictitious) medieval wizard Godric Gryffindor, one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and stemming from the powerful imagination of Ms. J. K. Rowling, wordsmith extraordinaire, as presented in her beloved series of books, featuring everyone’s favorite boy-wizard, Harry Potter. An ode from the authors, for magic lost, and found, in an effort to draw attention to the fascinating, but oft overlooked world of invertebrates, and their secret lives.”
As adorable as this little guy’s name is, the reason for his appearance is actually for survival within his habitat. E. Gryffindori is a nocturnal spider, taking refuge and seeking out safety during the day in dried up leaves and foliage. Look closely at the photo below. Can you find E. Gryffindori?
We wonder if E.Gryffindori hangs out with the Chewbacca Weevil… What do you think of the Sorting Hat Spider? Let us know in the comment section below!
A karaoke obsessed, craft beer enthusiast and lover of all things pop culture, Denise enjoys all facets of entertainment from Broadway to box office blockbusters. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, concerts (lots and lots of concerts), volunteering, reading and playing with her rescue kitten, Samantha (who rescued who, right?).
