Assassin spiders, an ancient lineage that dates back over 40 million years to the Mesozoic era, once shared the planet with dinosaurs. Their name, earned through their ruthless hunting of other spiders, reflects their predatory prowess.
The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is no ordinary arachnid. This critically endangered beast boasts a fearsome presence with a body that can stretch up to 3 centimeters (about 1.2 inches) and legs that span nearly 8 centimeters (around 3 inches). Its dark, rugged exterior and long, spiny limbs give it a menacing look. Hidden in the leaf litter of its remote island home, this spider is a formidable predator, striking terror into the hearts of its insect prey. But with its habitat under threat and its numbers dwindling, the survival of this eerie giant hangs in the balance.
The catastrophic bushfires of 2019/2020 raised concerns about the survival of this unique species, which is native to the north-western part of Kangaroo Island. Yet, in a surprising turn, individuals were found outside their known habitat after the fires, offering a flicker of hope for their continued existence.
Photo and video credit: Dr Jess Marsh
