Posted on 05/27/2016 11:46:49 PM PDT by JoeProBono
A Sydney scientist has discovered seven new species of peacock spiders a tiny and colourful arachnid that lurks in scrub and bushland across southern Australia. Key points:
The spectacular creatures are found all over Australia Scientist believes there are now 48 confirmed species of spider Their movements and colours help attract females
The man who made the discovery, Jurgen Otto, said he believed even the most extreme arachnophobes would be enchanted by the beauty of the creatures, which are just a few millimetres in length. Audio: Listen to Jake Sturmer's story on AM (AM)
"They're just absolutely incredible. People still think that I make them up because they're so unbelievable," Dr Otto said.
"People can't picture that they're such a package of beauty."
While it is hard to imagine someone describing a spider in such a way, one look at the spectacular images Dr Otto has captured explains his passion.
"Normally people think of spiders as something ugly, scary and dangerous, but they're learning through my photographs and videos they're cute and colourful and adorable," he said.
"Even people who hate spiders, extreme arachnophobes love these spiders. They can't help it."
At only a few millimetres in size, Dr Otto said he believed there are now 48 confirmed species of spider within the Maratus genus.
‘There is nothing cute about that horrible thing..’
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I agree. Bizarre, hideous looking things. I’d squash ‘em in a minute.
I was just remarking that the poster who said, ‘Now I can’t sleep. I want my mommy’ was funny..gave me a laugh
How cool is that? Dancing multicolored spiders! Thanks for posting it - I’m terrorizing Facebook at this moment... :-)
They’re cheerful looking little things. If they don’t or can’t bite, I’d leave them in peace. If they do, sorry, I’ll be compelled to send them to wherever spiders go after this life.
Hell.
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