What Size Were Prehistoric Spiders?
WouterPrehistoric spiders are extremely rare. Fortunately, scientists have been able to reconstruct some of these insects from their fossils. This has allowed them to determine the exact date and place they lived.
During the Carboniferous period, reports began to surface that giant insects existed. One species of arachnid was called the griffenfly and was over two feet long. This spider was probably a predator.
Another giant insect that has been described was the Meganeuropsis enormis. It was the largest praying mantis in the prehistoric period. It weighed 1 pound and had a wingspan of nearly 2 feet. It is thought that the insect may have been caused to grow large by the increase in oxygen in the atmosphere.
In the early Jurassic period, the Nephila spider was discovered. This species is the largest known fossilized spider. These golden orb weavers make orb webs from tough golden silk. The males catch small insects and birds, while the females weave giant orb webs. They are found in China and Southeast Asia.
The oldest spider webs discovered in a fossil were 130 million years old. Some researchers believe that the silk may have been used as a protective covering for eggs or for a retreat hole.
Some scientists also believe that spiders in the prehistoric period tended to live in caves. It is not clear how this occurred. However, some scientists have proposed that it could have been a simple ground sheet web.
