For those with arachnophobia, it might be best to look away, as scientists have unearthed the largest spider colony in the world.
The nest spans 106 square meters (1,140 square feet) and is believed to host up to 111,000 spiders—roughly half the size of a tennis court.
Recently, researchers published their findings in Underground Biology, revealing that two distinct species of spiders formed this massive colony.
This remarkable spider colony is situated in the Sulfur Caves of the Vromoner Valley, straddling the Greece-Albania border.
The nest resides in a permanently dark section of the cave, extending 50 meters (164 feet) from the entrance through a narrow, low-ceilinged passage. It comprises a multilayered patchwork of individual funnels that merge to create a spongy mass.
Researchers estimate the colony houses around 69,000 spiders, including Tegenaria domestica (commonly known as the barn funnel weaver or common house spider) and approximately 42,000 of The Vagrant of Prineligone species.
While these two species often coexist nearby, they typically do not share close quarters.
In fact, barn funnel weavers usually prey on smaller creatures, including The Vagrant of Prineligone. A truce between the two is unlikely, as the low light within the cave hinders the spiders’ vision.
Instead, the spiders primarily feed on non-stinging midges, which swarm thickly in proximity to their colonies. These midges thrive on nutrients provided by natural springs and sustained by the sulfur-rich river navigating through the cave.
DNA analysis indicates that these spiders are genetically distinct from their surface relatives, highlighting adaptations to their unique environment.
Conversely, a sulfur-rich diet significantly diminishes the variety of gut microbiota.
Both factors imply that these spiders do not intermingle with their cousins found above ground.
The colony was initially discovered in 2022 by a group of cavers from the Czech Speleological Society during their exploration of the area.
A team of researchers followed up in 2024, estimating the spider population by counting the web funnels and collecting specimens for further analysis.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
