A rare "giant" fossil spider species that formerly roamed the ancient landscapes of what is now modern-day Australia has been located and named by scientists. This remarkable discovery sheds light on the region's unique arachnid history and provides insight into the climatic circumstances of a bygone era.
A Stunning Discovery
The spider's fossilized remains, identified as Megamonodontium mccluskyi, were discovered at McGraths Flat in New South Wales, a well-known fossil site known for its iron-rich rock formations known as "goethite."
A First-of-Its-Kind Fossil
Megamonodontium mccluskyi is notable for being the first spider fossil identified from the Barychelidae family. It looks like the living genus Monodontium, namely the brush-footed trapdoor spider. This archaic arachnid, however, dwarfs its modern relatives, measuring an incredible 50mm from toe to toe.
Insights into Ancient Environments
The fossil provides important information about the habitat in which this "giant" spider lived millions of years ago. Its closest living relative can be found in moist forests ranging from Singapore to Papua New Guinea. This shows that these spiders originally lived in similar mainland Australian environments but became extinct when the continent's temperature drier.
Amazing Preservation
Microscopic examination of the fossils indicated an exceptional level of preservation. Researchers were able to investigate minute elements such as the spider's claws and hair-like structures known as setae, which served a variety of tasks such as sensing chemicals and vibrations, defense, and even sound production.
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