Face-sized Spider discovered in Northern Sri Lanka

A new species of venomous tarantula has been discovered behind a hospital in Mankulam, Northern Sri Lanka. With legs that span 20cm, it is rumoured that it is one of several new species of tarantula discovered in the region.

Named Poecilotheria Rajaei the Tiger Spider, it is a species related to one of the world’s largest, the Goliath bird-eater!. Not to scare the locals or holiday makers any further, this particular venomous spider lives in trees and can move very quickly! 

The new spider, named after a local police inspector who helped the team navigate post-civil war northern Sri Lanka, differs from similar species primarily in the markings on its legs and underside, which bears a pink abdominal band, reported wired.

According to sources the spiders prefer well-established old trees and due to deforestation some find suitable habitat in old buildings!