Discovered the giant new spider in the Middle East

On January 11, scientists at Haifa-Oranim University, Israel announced the discovery of a giant new spider living in an underground cave under sand dunes in the Israeli-Jordan, Middle East border.

The scientifically named new spider, Cerbalus aravensis , has a stride of about 13.97 cm long, believed to be the largest spider in the Middle East. Researchers believe spiders feed at night and act 'very actively' in the hot summer sun.

Giant spider Cerbalus aravensis is found in the Middle East with a 13.97cm long stride

Cerbalus aravensis Spider lives in an underground cave under sand dunes, above the "door" created by spiders of specially bound sand grains. This is also a trap for inviting prey such as lizards and insects.

Biologist Uri Shanas said spiders Cerbalus aravensis used strategies to sit and wait, ready to take the opportunity, grab the prey when they got close. 'The habitat of this spider species is directly threatened by regional mining activities, which can wipe them out,' said Uri Shanas.