The Epic Reason Researchers Named This New Spider Species After Godric Gryffindor

Our Fantastic Beasts dreams are coming true: first we found out that Nifflers (kind of, sort of) really do exist. Now, a team of researchers in India have discovered a new spider that looks just like — wait for it — the Sorting Hat originally owned by Godric Gryffindor from the Harry Potter films. In honor of its unique shape, the 7-millimeter spider has been named Eriovixia gryffindori.

The suitable name of the spider, which was discovered by researchers Javed Ahmed, Rajashree Khalap, and Sumukha Javagal, was released in The Indian Journal of Arachnology. While speaking with the paper, Ahmed expressed his excitement about the team's latest discovery. "We're excited to have found this new spider whose shape is similar to the magical sorting hat owned by the wizard [Gryffindor]. The discovery was made in Kans forest area of Karnataka," Ahmed revealed.

The spider takes on its leaf-like shape as a way to camouflage itself from predators in the daytime. "As a youngster, I was very fond of reading Harry Potter books. So, when I encountered this tiny spider, I thought of the magical hat," Ahmed said.

Keep reading to see what J.K. Rowling had to say when she discovered the news of the fascinating discovery.