Australia’s researchers have made a huge discovery: A super-sized trapdoor spider that is found only in Central Queensland.
Scientists from the Queensland Museum released a statement describing the arachnid as Euoplos dignitas, which is Latin for dignity or greatness. Its name refers to the large size and nature of the spider.
The spider lives in open woodland habitats, and it builds its burrows in black soils of Central Queensland’s Brigalow Belt. This is located on Australia’s northeastern coast.
Scientists believe that the species has lost a lot of its habitat due to land clearing. This makes it an endangered species.
The Australian team didn’t give any details about the size of their find, but trapdoor spiders are usually 1.5 inches in length and nest underground, according National Geographic. Their bites can cause severe pain and swelling to humans.
Britannica states that spiders build burrows in ground and then create silken-hinged doors. The spiders feed by opening trap doors quickly and grabbing any unsuspecting insects passing by.
Michael Rix (principal curator of arachnology at the Queensland Museum Network) posted a video to announce the Australian discovery. He stated that the experts were thrilled to “scientifically record this new species.”
Dr. Jeremy Wilson is a research assistant in arachnology at the Queensland Museum Network. He said that the research is exciting because you never know what you might find.
Wilson stated that naming a new species can have real-life benefits for it, as a protected species is one that is known.
