World’s Oldest Spider Dies at Age 43

The world’s most senior arachnid has passed away at the age of 43. The spider was observed for a considerable length of time in Australia. The death took place due to a wasp bite.

The 43-year-old female Giaus Villosus trapdoor spider was popularly named as Number 16 and the research findings were published in the Pacific Conservation Biology Journal in April.

The previous record holder was a 28-year-old tarantula found in Mexico. The spider may have lived longer since the death was not natural and result of a wasp bite.

Barbara York Main was the lead investigator who first studied the species and she was the first to record Number 16.

Number 16 was observed in nature. Female trapdoor spiders remain in and around a similar tunnel for all intents and purposes every one of their lives, so scientists denoted her tunnel and backpedaled to keep an eye on it consistently. The investigation also shed light on how climate change and deforestation could affect the species. Trapdoor spiders generally have a life expectancy between five to 20 years. While females remain in or close to their tunnels, guys leave once develop and go looking for a mate. They are not a noteworthy risk to people, despite the fact that a nibble can cause agony and swelling.

Trapdoor spiders are usually homebound rarely leaving their nests and camouflage it in colourful ways. They survive on very little resources and can serve as important reminders to us humans who as a species guzzle up on resources throughout their life cycle.

They build their own nests and never occupy the nests of other spider’s even if the inmate maybe dead. Females closely guard their nests and rarely venture out leading to lower energy requirements and thus they utilize lesser amount of resources.

Trapdoor spiders are some of the most ancient creatures alive and played an important role in Australia’s ecosystem. They first appeared on earth during the Triassic age.

 

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