Just in time for Halloween!!!
Move over Spider-Man. Scientists have discovered the remains of a new species of spider the size of a CD, making it the largest known web-slinger around. The spider, classified as a new species of golden orb-weaver, is known as Nephila komaci. Its remains have been found throughout South Africa.
A live specimen has yet to be discovered, prompting many scientists to believe that either these spiders are endangered or that they dwell far up in treetops.
With a body length of 1.5 inches and a leg span of 4 to 5 inches, the female N. komaci is the largest web-producing spider in existence.
Female Nephila evolved to a large size not only to carry more eggs, but to overcome a predator of those eggs as well. Some female Nephila spiders can even snag birds, bats and lizards, the report stated. Males, on the other hand, have never evolved past a modest size.
A live specimen has yet to be discovered, prompting many scientists to believe that either these spiders are endangered or that they dwell far up in treetops.
With a body length of 1.5 inches and a leg span of 4 to 5 inches, the female N. komaci is the largest web-producing spider in existence.
Female Nephila evolved to a large size not only to carry more eggs, but to overcome a predator of those eggs as well. Some female Nephila spiders can even snag birds, bats and lizards, the report stated. Males, on the other hand, have never evolved past a modest size.
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