Scientists unveil 20 new species ... Picture giant blue scorpion and massive hairy spider

Last edited Thu Jun 7, 2012, 05:27 AM - Edit history (1)

This is the largest (by mass) spider in the world, reaching the weight of 170g and a leg span of 30cm




The Emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator): With an eight-inches-long body, this is one of the largest scorpions in the world (a species from India is reputedly slightly longer)

For 20 years, field scientists working with Conversation International have been exploring some of the world’s most abundant, mysterious and threatened tropical ecosystems.

To date, they have discovered more than 1,300 species new to science - although so far only 500 or so have been formally described by taxonomists, in terms of classification and naming.
And now, to celebrate their 20 years of cataloguing, the group has released 20 of their favourite finds.

While some - like the fish that flashes a beautiful array of colours when it is in love - make a great sight, others are more than likely to quiver, such as the giant blue scorpion, or the ants which hook on to each other with sharp barbs when threatened.

And arachnophobes - take a deep breath, because this is what is thought to be the largest tarantula known to exist - oh, and it eats lizards.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2155441/Scientists-unveil-20-new-species--blue-scorpion-tarantula-size-hand-got-knowing.html#ixzz1x5s3ggsW