‘It’s very big’: new species of giant trapdoor spider discovered in Queensland

Queensland researchers have discovered a new species of giant trapdoor spider, Euoplos dignitas. Photograph: Queensland Museum

A new and rare giant spider has been found hiding beneath a trapdoor made of silk and soil west of Brisbane.

The giant trapdoor spider, Euoplos dignitas, was discovered by researchers involved in Queensland Museum’s Project DIG, which has been running for the past four years to understand more about the state’s biodiversity.