Audio By Carbonatix
It’s been a rough day for arachnophobes — news traveled from Sri Lanka this morning that scientists have identified a spider the size of a human face.
Introducing the Poecilotheria rajaei.
See also: – Scientists Discover Genitalia-Headed Fish – Scientists Discover Jumping Cockroach – We’re Doomed: Scientists Discover Spiders with Claws
The tarantula has a leg span of 8 inches and, according to the Sri Lankan scientists who’ve studied it, has enough venom to kill snakes, small birds, lizards, and mice.
When news happens, Phoenix New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
Ranil Nanayakkara, co-founder of Sri Lanka’s Biodiversity Education and Research writes that the spider was “slightly smaller than the size of the plate we have dinner on.”
The colorful spiders are tree dwellers and are mainly found in India and Sri Lanka. But because of deforestation, writes Nanayakkara, the spider has been forced out of its natural habitat.
Sweet dreams.
