Mout-a-massy

The Golden Orb Weaver (Africa)

This was the newly discovered spider named Nephila komaci is a member of golden orb weaver family. Golden orb weavers are known for their large webs, which often exceed 1m in diameter, and for the big disparity between male and female body size. Golden orb weavers are the largest spiders to spin webs, although other breeds such as Goliath bird-eating spiders and tarantulas are even bigger.
The new species was named after Professor Kuntner’s friend Andreij Komac, who died in an accident at the time of the discoveries.

The females are the giants - with a body lenght of 3.8cm ( 1.5 in ) and a leg span of up to 12cm ( 5 inches ) The males are tiny by comparison — about five times smaller.