Score another one for Evolution: Strange new assassin spiders found

[Coexist]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/science/02/13/assassin.spiders.ap/index.html

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Researchers scouring the remote forests of the African island nation of Madagascar have found that tiny assassin spiders, grotesque-looking bugs that prey on other spiders, are more diverse than previously thought.

The newly discovered species could shed light on how assassin spiders evolved, and perhaps point scientists to other places in Madagascar where other types could be located.

<snip>
The research was partly funded by the National Science Foundation.

^^^^^ ^^^^^
Lawmakers - please pay attention to that last line.



... this one falls under the creepy but cool category for me!

[YOY]

1. I just hope they don't look into the "Sumatran Rat Monkey"

Some species are better left undiscovered...

[villager]

2. assassin spiders? But there was only supposed to be a single "lone nut"

...spider!

[Coexist]

3. well, I've heard they breed in the grassy knolls.

[villager]

6. also found, alas, in hotel pantries and near motel balconies...

n/t

[hopeisaplace]

4. I'd have to drop a cyanide pill if I saw one coming for me..omg. *breath*

or I'd drop from heart failure one or the other
*shivers*

[Coexist]

5. You wouldn't see it coming... they are only 1/8" long!

<snip>
Assassin spiders, which grow to less than an eighth of an inch long, are notorious for stabbing helpless spiders with their sharp, venom-filled fangs attached to their super-sized jaws.

Assassin spiders also possess very long necks so they can attack their prey from a distance.

They do not spin webs to entrap their prey and they pose no threat to humans, said Charles Griswold, a curator at the academy."

[hopeisaplace]

7. lol, well, I still shiver at the thought of these things :) YUKKKKKK