Why massive nest of huntsman spiders uncovered in WA is a rare find
Pip Christmass - 7NEWS
The discovery of a massive nest of huntsman spiders on the south coast of Western Australia may be an arachnophobe's idea of hell, but it's also providing researchers with a rare insight into how the spiders live.
Bush Heritage Australia ecologist Angela Sanders posted a picture of a huge nest of arachnids found inside timber boxes installed in Monjebup, east of Albany.
The timber boxes are meant as a habitat for pygmy possums, but one box revealed another group of creatures nesting inside - and all the spiders are thought to be from one family.
"On lifting the lids of some, we found many huntsman spiders of all sizes whizzing around inside," Sanders wrote on the Bush Heritage website.
Most spiders do not live in big social family units, so the discovery is unusual.
Spiders normally look after their offspring only until they are old enough to fend for themselves - then they are expected to go out on their own.
"We now know that [this is] a species of huntsman that live together, normally under the bark of trees," Sanders wrote.
"Tree bark is in short supply at present and they've found the wooden boxes suitable.
"A single adult female lays eggs and the successive generations of siblings help each other out and share prey items.
"This has several advantages for the spiders, including faster growth.
"They're also heavier and healthier."
According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, there are 94 different species of huntsman spider in Western Australia.
The female of the species can grow up to 15cm.
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