A spider that breathes and eats fishes, toads underwater. Image Courtesy – http://www.worldsciencefestival.com.au
Scientists announced on the 9th March, Wednesday that they have discovered a new type of spider in Australia which rides waves and which is capable to eat fish and toads, and also much bigger of its size. The name of the species is “Dolomedes Briangreenei”. It was being named in honour of the famous ‘string theorist’ and co-founder of the World Science Festival, Professor Brian Greene. It was one of the most interesting events that happened at the World Science Festival, which was started in Brisbane, Australia.
“These spiders sit there on the water and then all of a sudden an insect will hit the water and the spider races out to get it, grabs it, dives under the water and then swims back to the shore and starts eating it,” Robert Raven, Principal Scientist of Arachnology at the Queensland Museum told Mashable Australia.
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Raven also told that the spider could sit beneath the water for 1 hour and it was capable to kill and eat insects, fishes, toads at least 3 times bigger than its size. Seemingly they were not harmful to human beings. Raven told that he was being bitten by one of these spiders, a wound of which was persisted for a little while.
‘Greene’, the name was quite appropriate with the spider. “Physics is all about waves; understanding the universe is all about waves,” Greene said. “With the announcement last month of humankind’s first detection of gravitational waves — ripples on the surface of space and time — I am particularly honoured to be so closely associated with a spider that has its own deep affinity for waves.”
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Professor Brian Greene told that the motto of the festival was to develop a new experience of science where young and veteran, novice and expert could come together and feel the essence of science in a sizeable and inspiring way.
The ‘World Science Festival’ has become a platform where the stalwarts of the greatest scientific innovations gathered. Some of them are Andy Thomas, the Marine Biologist, Sylvia Earle, National Geographic explorer-in-residence, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, patron of science Alan Alda etc. were present.
The young male spider named ‘Brian’ would be placed into the Queensland Museum for permanent show.
