Residents of Maningrida, Australia found themselves in a scene reminiscent of a horror flick when a hoard of more than 25,000 venomous spiders suddenly descended upon their small town.
According to reports, the spiders belong to a newly discovered species of tarantula, which researchers have unofficially dubbed "diving tarantulas."
While it remains uncertain as to why these tarantulas invaded the town of Maningrida, local arachnologist Dr. Robert Raven believes the eight-legged creatures could have been attracted to the area in search of a possible source of food.
"Normally, I find two or three hundred spiders in one spot," Raven said. "Presumably, something is missing that would hammer them or there is something good [like a food source]."
"It's one of the beauties of science, being able to say 'I don't know.'"
The spider expert explained that the massive number of tarantulas in Maningrida could provide a valuable opportunity for medical research as scientists try to investigate the reason why the spiders came together on the same spot.
Raven also reported that a resident living in eastern Australia was bitten by one of the spiders, causing the victim to vomit for about six to eight hours.
He said that even though tarantulas are known to be venomous, their bites could do more damage to a person than their venom.
"These are not shallow bites," Raven said. "Long fangs can potentially do damage by ripping tissue."
Raven is now organizing a research team made of locals that would begin the study of this new species of tarantulas.
Earlier this month, thousands of bright yellow spiders were spotted in the different towns across the United Kingdom.
Experts identified the invading arachnids as the offspring of the common cross orbweaver spiders (Araneus diadematus), a species known to lay their eggs by the thousands during autumn.
Mother cross orbweaver spiders often cover their eggs with a canopy of silk and fecal matter fragments in order to keep them safe all throughout winter until they are ready to hatch.
These hatchlings are often mistaken for exploding spiders because of the way they break out of their protective canopy.
A similar spider occupation occurred in Goulburn, Australia in May when the town was suddenly covered by migrating spiders.
Photo: Hugo A. Quintero G. | Flickr
