Arachnids
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![An artist's impression of Terropterus xiushanensis.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cxUXefbxacJvKTPZrVSScj-320-80.jpg)
Ancient dog-size sea scorpion unearthed in China
By Ben Turner published
This is the first time that scientists have found a fossil of this type on the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana.
![A daddy longlegs (Phalangium opilio) shows off its long and flexible legs.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yxnvFAPXNH3PmUgb6jAG9T-320-80.jpg)
Mutant 'daddy shortlegs' created in a lab
By Harry Baker published
Scientists have created an altered version of daddy longlegs with shortened and morphologically altered legs by suppressing the genes behind the development of their long legs.
![A black widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) enjoys a meal of juvenile scarlet snake (Cemophora coccinea) in Georgia.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BTUPCY3RNspAH4NXq7TE6T-320-80.jpg)
These spiders take down snakes hundreds of times their size
By Stephanie Pappas published
Venomous spiders prey upon snakes many times their size, a new study finds — and often emerge victorious against snakes as venomous as they are.
![A tarantula (Theraphosa blondi) captures a juvenile false coral snake of the genus Oxyrhopus and carries it back to its burrow.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6ZPNQkfW5Hq4fVv32XFPRT-320-80.jpg)
Photos: Spiders feast on deadly snakes
By Stephanie Pappas published
From the Goliath birdeater tarantula to black widows, spiders are not shy around deadly snakes, often taking down the juveniles and feasting on their meaty bodies for days.
![A European garden spider (Araneus diadematus) spinning a web.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JRJQP5fZSHS7gxRu6gfivj-320-80.jpg)
Is every spiderweb unique?
By Mindy Weisberger published
How much does spiderweb construction vary between spiders?
![A Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola rosea) strikes a threatening pose.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WWDMzqkbCMU6qidZxRFYDm-320-80.jpg)
Tarantulas conquered Earth by spreading over a supercontinent, then riding its broken pieces across the ocean
By Mindy Weisberger published
Around 120 million years ago, tarantulas first appeared on the Gondwana supercontinent in what is now the Americas, and then dispersed into Africa, Australia and India.
![Unlike most of its peacock spider cousins, newfound species Maratus nemo inhabits a wetland ecosystem.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XjWDnG7GGv7pZY5pSVhB9d-320-80.jpg)
Endearing orange-faced peacock spider looks like 'Nemo' (and dances)
By Mindy Weisberger published
An arachnologist described a new species of peacock spider after a citizen scientist discovered it in the wetlands of southern Australia.
![A Mediterranean recluse spider embalmed in water.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xgzLV9Grh8y4kVqguU6t8c-320-80.jpg)
Venomous spiders take advantage of pandemic, move into college buildings
By Rachael Rettner published
Sightings of these spiders in the university's library basement prompted staff to close the library for two days.
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