Scientists Discover Jurassic Spider, World’s Biggest on Record

Arachnophobes, beware! Scientists have just discovered the world's largest 8-legged creature from the Jurassic period.

The 165 million-year-old female spider is part of the Golden Orb Weavers -- a family of spiders that still exist today -- and has a leg span of nearly six inches.

According to Professor Paul Seldman of the University of Kansas, the Inner Mongolian discovery qualifies this fossil spider for the title of world's "largest known fossil spider" to date.

Due to its remarkable preservation, scientists suspect the giant spider met its end after a volcano erupted and the ashes smothered her.

[BBC]