Ten new species of freaky, fanged spiders found in Queensland, Australia



At least 10 new species of trapdoor spiders have been discovered hiding in Brisbane forests and national parks throughout the state. The aggressive, sharp-fanged, eight-legged nasties have been found by a Griffith University PhD student Jeremy Wilson in national parks, including popular Gold Coast tourist spot Lamington National Park and the Capricorn Caves in Rockhampton.

Just four species of golden trapdoor spiders are known in southeast Queensland, but Mr Wilson says he’s identified at least 10 more in that area alone.  “The really cool thing about them is that they’re really long lived and they don’t move much, they live in these holes their entire life.”

But what a scientist identifies as the “really cool thing” about these spiders, is perhaps the most terrifying to most. Trapdoor spiders build themselves holes to hide out in, complete with doors, as the name suggests, keeping them well hidden. Because of their elusive nature, their danger is somewhat unknown, but with 1cm fangs on some, there is potential to do serious damage"

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