Tornado Alley (PROG)

[F6]

World's oldest spider dies aged 43 after wasp attack
Scientists ‘miserable’ to discover record-breaking arachnid laid low by parasitic insect
28 April 2018
https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/spider-worlds-oldest-australia-trapdoor-43-tarantula-mexico-wasp-a8326921.html


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The longest-lived spider: mygalomorphs dig deep, and persevere
19 April 2018
Abstract
We report the longest-lived spider documented to date. A 43-year-old, female Gaius villosus Rainbow, 1914 (Mygalomorphae: Idiopidae) has recently died during a long-term population study. This study was initiated by Barbara York Main at North Bungulla Reserve near Tammin, south-western Australia, in 1974. Annual monitoring of this species of burrowing, sedentary mygalomorph spider yielded not only this record-breaking discovery but also invaluable information for high-priority conservation taxa within a global biodiversity hotspot. We suggest that the life-styles of short-range endemics provide lessons for humanity and sustainable living in old stable landscapes.
http://www.publish.csiro.au/PC/PC18015