Scientists have recently discovered an eyeless spider species in China and named it after Khezu, a creature from the Monster Hunter series.

The spider received the name Otacilia Khezu. The first half of its name, Otacilia, derives from the Latin term that identifies the genus of the spider, belonging to a family commonly known as the guardstone spiders. Meanwhile, the second half, Khezu, refers to the blind flying wyverns in the Monster Hunter series. The newly named Otacilia Khezu spider shares this characteristic. The scientists published the paper in the Biodiversity Data Journal, citing the game as part of their inspiration.

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“The species is named after khezu; a kind of blind flying wyvern first appearing in Monster Hunter, noun in apposition,” as stated in the paper.

Additionally, the Otacilia Khezu spider, lacking eyes like the blind flying wyverns in Monster Hunter, shows a strong connection. Introduced in the first installment of the series, Khezu have returned in subsequent sequels, including Monster Hunter Rise.. Recently, developer and publisher Capcom announced that worldwide cumulative sales of the Monster Hunter series surpassed 100 million units with its recent game Monster Hunter: Rise and its Sunbreak expansion garnering sales of approximately over 2 million units annually. With its newest game Monster Hunter Wilds set to release in 2025. Regarding Khezu’s potential appearance in the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds, its still uncertain.

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In addition, SilencedVouivre, a user on X/Twitter, pointed out that the scientist who named Otacilia Khezu has named other real-world animals with references from games or anime. Examples include characters Funny Valentine and Gyro Zeppeli from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, and the Rathalos genus from Monster Hunter.

so someone in China just named a newly discovered eyeless spider after Khezu…https://t.co/88U7jhmgwf pic.twitter.com/E6WznnMYLG

— Corvus_大夕儿爆彈 (@SilencedVouivre) June 28, 2024

Consequently, naming the newly discovered species Otacilia Khezu just shows how scientists embrace gaming and nerd culture.

Monster Hunter Rise

Publisher: Capcom

Developer: Capcom

Release Date: 2021-03-26

Nintendo Switch

The critically acclaimed action-RPG series returns to the Nintendo Switch™! Set in the ninja-inspired land of Kamura Village, explore lush ecosystems and battle fearsome monsters to become the ultimate hunter. It’s been half a century since the last calamity struck, but a terrifying new monster has reared its head and threatens to plunge the land into chaos once again. Hunt solo or in a party with friends to earn rewards that you can use to craft a huge variety of weapons and armor. Brand new gameplay systems such as the high-flying ‘Wire Action’ and your canine companion ‘Palamute’ will add exciting new layers to the already robust combat that Monster Hunter is known for. Whether it’s at home, on the go, online or offline - you’ll always be ready for your next hunt on the Nintendo Switch™!

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