On January 11, scientists at the University of Haifa-Oranim, Israel, announced the discovery of a new giant spider living in an underground cave beneath the sand dunes of the Israeli-Jordanian border area in the Middle East.
The new spider, scientifically named Cerbalus aravensis, has a leg length of around 13.97cm, which is said to be the largest spider in the Middle East. Researchers believe spiders feed at night and are “very active” in the hot summer sun.
The spider Cerbalus aravensis lives in underground burrows under sand dunes, above which is a “gate” made by spiders from specially bound grains of sand. It is also a trap for unwanted prey such as lizards and insects.
Biologist Uri Shanas said Cerbalus aravensis spiders use a sit-and-wait strategy, ready to seize the moment, grabbing their prey as soon as they come close. “The habitat of this spider is directly threatened by mining activities in the region, which could wipe them out,” Uri Shanas said with concern.
