A photo depicting a gigantic spider suspended from a roof has caused alarm, with some individuals humorously suggesting that the homeowner should consider relocating.
A concerned resident from Baldivis, located 45km south of Perth, shared the unnerving image on a local Facebook community group, seeking assistance in identifying the colossal arachnid.
The photograph showcases the spider perched within its web, its elongated and pointed legs tucked under a substantial dark abdomen, evoking an impression of readiness to strike.
The individual who shared the image referred to the spider as “one of the biggest I’ve ever encountered.”
‘That spider is jacked! Only suggestion is to grab your valuables and find a new home,’ one local joked.
Another advised the man to ‘just accept that spider owns your house now and you’re paying it rent to stay there’.
Another bewildered individual inquired whether there was a “sack” connected to the spider, expressing their astonishment with the perplexing arachnid. They remarked, “I’ve zoomed every way I can and it’s the craziest arachnid I ever saw… where does it begin and where does it end?”
Speculations arose suggesting that the spider could be either a black house spider or a redback spider, while others weighed in with their opinion. However, arachnologist Dr. Volker Framenau from Murdoch University identified the spider as likely being the common garden orb-weaver species known as Hortophora biapicata.
Dr. Framenau explained that these spiders are quite prevalent during this time of year. Although the image may not provide optimal clarity for identification, he emphasized that in Perth, this particular large orb-weaver spider with such appearance is the most likely candidate. He also mentioned that the species diversity within the Hortophora genus varies significantly in the eastern states compared to Perth.
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