A tarantula that was believe to be the world ’s old spider has died at eld 43 . This is quite the advanced age for arachnids , which typically live five to 20 years , according to theAgence France - Presse .
Called Number 16 by the scientist who were studying her , the female trapdoor tarantula died of a wasp sting in the Australian outback .
She outlived the previous eight - legged platter - bearer — a Lycosa tarentula in Mexico — by 15 days , according to inquiry issue in thePacific Conservation Biologyjournal . tarantula incline to be their entire lifetime in the same burrow pickle , making them promiscuous to cover .
By marking the tunnel where Number 16 lived , scientist have been monitoring her movement in the natural state ever since she was first determine in the Central Wheatbelt part of Western Australia in 1974 . The study has throw light on the behavior of tarantulas , as well as their habits and home ground . It ’s also help research worker better see how factors like mood change and disforestation may impact the species .
Scientists were able to determine " that the extensive life span of the trapdoor spider is due to their living - story trait , including how they last in uncleared , native bushland , their sedentary nature , and low metabolism , " jumper cable researcher Leanda Mason , of Curtin University , said in astatement .
Mason toldThe Telegraphthat researchers were " really miserable " about Number 16 ’s demise . They had hoped she would make it a few more age to her 50th natal day .
More than850 speciesof tarantula exist in the natural state , and they ’re native to tropic expanse and deserts throughout South America , Australia , Southern Asia , and Africa . Female tarantula can experience up to 30 years , but the lifetime of Male is importantly shorter , allot to theNational Wildlife Federation .
[ h / tAFP ]
