In the Australian state of Queensland, researchers have now discovered a new species of giant spider. The animal was found as part of Brisbane’s Queensland Museum’s DIG project, which has been running for four years and aims to learn more about the state’s biodiversity.
Even the researchers are excited about the stately size of the new trapdoor spider, which was found in two small towns about 400 kilometers north of Brisbane. “It’s really, really big for a trapdoor spider,” said Michael Rix, senior scientist and curator of arachnology at the Queensland Museum. “The females of this species can reach a body length of up to two inches.”
Species already threatened by deforestation
The body size was also the inspiration for the name of the new species. The scientific name Euoplos dignitas is derived from the Latin word “dignitas”, which means something like “dignity” or “greatness”. Although the spider species has only just been discovered, it is already threatened by deforestation and may already be endangered.
The females of the species spend most of their lives underground, under a hatch of cobwebs and soil that is closed during the day. The males leave the den after five to seven years to find a mate in another den.
Poison is harmless to humans
The spiders use venom to trap and paralyze their prey, but their bite cannot harm humans or animals. In this they differ from the funnel web or redback spiders, whose bite can lead to death even without an antidote.
According to the scientists, the new species is very useful. They play an important role in the ecosystem under fallen leaves and help control insect populations, spider expert Rix told The Guardian.
Source: Krone
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