A new species of spider has been discovered in Central Queensland.
The rare and giant species of trapdoor spider only found in the Brigalow Belt has been described by Queensland Museum scientists and named Euoplos dignitas.
Scientists have been undertaking research in the region for the last four years as part of Project DIG, a partnership with BHP and BMA that is transforming how the museum shares its collections and research.
Curator of Arachnology Dr Michael Rix said the name of the new species was a nod not only to Project DIG, but to the large size of the spider.
“The name Euoplos dignitas is derived from the Latin dignitas meaning dignity or greatness and is reflected by the impressive size and nature of the spider and but also a connection to Project DIG, who funded our research,” he says.
“This species is known from only a very few locations around Eidsvold and Monto in Central Queensland and has lost much of its habitat to land clearing, which makes it likely to be an endangered species.”
Euoplos dignitas is a large trapdoor spider that lives in open woodland habitats and builds its burrows in the black soils of the Central Queensland region.
The new species has recently been published in the Journal of Arachnology.
