Are you among those enthusiasts who converge at the intersection of “spider aficionado” and “Monster Hunter enthusiast”? If so, you’re likely thrilled to hear about the recent discovery of Otacilia khezu.
In the realm of scientific inquiry into animal behavior, a prevailing characteristic stands out: scientists who study animals are often passionate and meticulous about their work, traits typically associated with “nerd” culture.
The fascinating phenomenon of organisms named after works of fiction has garnered significant attention on Wikipedia, with a notable section dedicated to those inspired by video games. This includes the intriguing example of Dicranocentrus pikachu. A newly discovered species of eyeless spider has recently been found in China, with enthusiasts on the Monster Hunter subreddit taking note. The newly named species pays homage to a monster from Capcom’s classic collection.
The Otacilia khezu, a species that may evoke unease in arachnophobes, owes its name to Monster Hunter’s Khezu – a flying wyvern characterized by significantly retracted eyes, giving it an unsettling appearance of being almost eyeless.
The new spider’s moniker likely stems from its ties to the Monster Hunter franchise, with the Otacilia designation serving as a nod to the araneomorph genus, catering to those well-versed in Latin terminology. Someone else noted on Twitter that this individual had previously done something similar with different organisms, referencing humorous instances like Humorous Valentine and Gryo Zeppeli from Jojo’s Weird Journey, as well as Monster Hunter’s Rathalos genus, another iconic creature in the series?
While the latest Monster Hunter: Rise reveal may not be entirely novel in its approach, Capcom has consistently showcased its newest addition to the series, Monster Hunter: Wilds, without reservation. The highly anticipated recreation took center stage at Summer Season Sport Fest earlier this month, alongside the guarantee of an accessible demo in the near future. With Alex’s personal purchase, he was able to dive headfirst into the sport, and upon completion, emerged with a deeply positive impression.
