arachnid Archives

Five new species of trapdoor spiders: golden discovery for science

South-east Queensland is home to five newly discovered species of golden trapdoor spiders.

Fourteen new trapdoor spider species described in WA

Only two species in the group were previously described, and including one species described in South Australia, it brings the tally up to 17.

News

Newly discovered marine spider named in honour of Bob Marley

Desis bobmarley has long hair, lives on the corals of the Great Barrier Reef and is named after a music legend.

Wildlife

The spectacular crab spider eats prey three times her size

The female spectacular crab spider changes her colours to match her chosen floral, and then she sits patiently, waiting for pollinator prey.

Wildlife

This sequined spider glistens in the light

Australia’s mirror spiders carry tiny little treasure chests on their abdomens.

News

New species of spider discovered in NSW

Meet the new brush-footed trapdoor spider.

Wildlife

Prehistoric predators: mygalomorphs

Mygalomorphs are an ancient group of spiders that have remained almost unchanged for millions of years. Unlike modern spiders, which have pincer-like biting apparatus, mygalomorphs have dagger-like fangs that they thrust downwards in a ‘pick-axe’ motion. Here we show a representative species from each of the major mygalomorph families found in Australia. Text and photographs by Nick Volpe

Wildlife

Gallery: tiny, beautiful peacock spiders

Australia’s peacock spiders are the most attractive of the world’s more than 5000 species of jumping spider. At a tiny 4–6mm long, they stand out because of their small size, their relatively large eyes and, of course, the male’s dazzling opisthosomal fan. This is a flap on the abdomen covered in bright iridescent scales, which makes it appear similar to a butterfly wing. Here, seasoned spider photographer Jurgen Otto, who’s responsible for finding and recording many of Australia’s peacock spiders, captures their beauty.