Dancing peacock, deadly funnel-web among 50 bizarre spider species discovered in Australia

Have you ever seen or heard of a spider that dances? Yes, it’s true, just like a peacock, this particular spider dances to lure its partner and is among the 50 new spider species discovered by scientists in Australia. 

Among the new species of spiders there is one which as big as the size of a dinner plate. Scientists surveyed an area for two-weeks and they were stunned to find dozens of arachnids during the expedition.

Scientists were left awestruck when they discovered some bizarre spiders in Australia's far north Cape York Peninsula including tarantulas which go "scuba diving" to catch their prey, spiders that mimic ants and arachnids that leap. According to researchers, some of the spiders are venomous, but many of them are very small.

Scientists had never surveyed West Quinkan country in Queensland and this was their first expedition there, the Cairns Post reported.
Also, this research involves the discovery of most new spiders ever on trip by the government-funded Bush Blitz.

23 researchers worked with indigenous rangers and traditional owners in an area accessible only by helicopter, Dr Barbara Baehr, of the Queensland Museum in South Brisbane, said.

A new species of huntsman spider was also found, she said, adding it is about the size of a dinner plate. Also, a new species of the deadly funnel-web spider has also been discovered.

A large black brush-footed trap-door spider which can walk up glass doors has also been found. Also, a peacock spider which 'dances' while courting a mate has also been discovered, the Guardian reported.

Dr Baehr said: “Most of the spiders are very small, and many of them are ant-eating spiders. “Others are quite pretty, like the peacock spiders.”

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