09 December 2008

Assassin spiders


Researchers have discovered nine new species of assassin spiders in Madagascar.
The spiders stab their prey with their giant jaws, which are barbed at the ends with venomous fangs. To be able to lift their outsized jaws, the assassins evolved elongated necks, giving the spiders a unique ability to strike from a distance.
The prey of assassin spiders is other spiders. They have previously been found in Africa, and of course in Australia, since there is a longstanding rule that all fearsome and poisonous species in the world have to live in Australia.

(image credit to National Geographic)

1 comment:

  1. Just wrote a children's story about two spider families battling the humans who inhabit the house they live in. These assassin spiders would make a good enemy in the next sequel to "The Hatchling."

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