Ancient Giant Spider Fossil Unearthed in Australia

Scientists have discovered a fossilized giant trapdoor spider in New South Wales, Australia, which is five times larger than its modern-day relatives. Named 'Megamonodontium mccluskyi', the spider lived during the Miocene period 11 to 16 million years ago. This finding is significant as it sheds light on the evolutionary history and extinction of spiders in Australia. The discovery also provides insights into the past climate of the region, indicating that it was once much wetter than it is now. The fossil is the first of its kind from the Barychelidae family to be found worldwide.