Australian researchers have confirmed the death of what they think is the worlds oldest spider. The Trapdoor matriarch died at the age of 43, well ahead of the second longest living spider which is a 28-year-old Mexican tarantuila. The spider was affectionately called “number 16” and since 1974 have been under observation.
This unusually long life-span of the spider has been credited to its life history traits, including how they lived in uncleared native bushland, their sedentary nature, and low metabolism said Leanda Mason who is from Curtin University. The spider’s lifespan will further help them dig deep into the behaviour and population dynamics of trapdoor spiders.
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This research project about spiders was started by the renowned University of WA biologist and spider specialist Barbara York Main in 1974. The spider was under his watchful eyes for so many years.On spider’s death, he said, “We’re really miserable about the death”.
While trapdoor species are dangerous it is the males who venture so far ahead, the females usually do not go past a few meters from their place of birth.
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