A rare species of trapdoor spider that can inflict “painful bites” on humans has been documented by scientists at the Queensland Museum in Australia.
What is known about the species:
- Euplos dignitas lives in wooded habitats around the towns of Eidsvold and Mont Isa in northeastern Australia and measures around 5cm considerably larger than most species of trapdoor spider. According to arachnologist Michael Rix, the animal’s Latin name refers to concepts of dignity or size, in reference to “the truly spectacular nature of this spider”.
- According to scientists, females of the species can live up to 20 years, but they are very vulnerable to climate change. Its venom, while painful, is not deadly.
- Males live in burrows for the first five to seven years of their lives when they go in search of a mate. “The males of this species are red in color and really quite impressive,” says Rix.
The discovery was the result of Project DIG, a partnership between the Museum of Queensland, BHP an AngloAustralian mining and oil company and the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, which helps scientists discover new species in the region.
Rix explains that the existence of Euplos dignitas has been known for 25 years, but the species has not yet been catalogued. “It was a rediscovery in a way,” he said.