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Spider species named after Harry Potter wizard

Eriovixia gryffindori spider

A new spider species discovered by three Mumbai researchers in the Kans forest area of Karnataka has been named after a popular wizard in J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series.

Eriovixia gryffindori, measuring barely 7 mm in length, has been named after the wizard Godric Gryffindor, one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, mainly because it resembles the magical sorting hat worn by the wizard. The spider’s shape allowed it to resemble a dried leaf and protect itself from predators.

Javed Ahmad, one of the researchers, to J. K. Rowling on Twitter: “@jk_rowling We named a spider after the sorting hat from the films! Meet Eriovixia gryffindori.”

Rowling tweeted back: “I’m truly honoured! Congratulations on discovering another #FantasticBeast!”