New "soft and cuddly" tarantula species discovered in Australia.

[RandySF]

A previously undiscovered species of tarantula has been found in northern Australia. But don't worry, this one's soft and cuddly.

Found in late May by Sophie Harrison, a Ph.D. student at the University of Adelaide, our brown and hairy friend was discovered in the Northern Territory's Judburra Gregory National Park as part of Bush Blitz.

Bush Blitz, a project funded by the Australian government and BHP Billiton, sends scientists to under-explored regions of Australia to find new fish, bugs, spiders, reptiles, birds, and more. Since 2010, the program has found more than 900 new species, according to a BHP Billiton statement.

It's estimated only a quarter of Australia's unique plant and animal life is known to scientists.




http://mashable.com/2015/06/10/new-tarantula-australia/

[Warpy]

1. Most of them are soft and some are cuddly

They seem to realize we're far too big to eat and they like the warmth of the human body. Some owners find them downright affectionate, although it's more likely anthromorphistic thinking.

I'll stick to cats and dogs, thanks.

[get the red out]

3. Yep

I love when new creatures are discovered, but I will stick to our dog for a furry couch buddy.

[Scootaloo]

2. 'Cause one thing Australia is short on is gigantic fucking spiders...

[Orsino]

4. You're not fooling anyone, Australia.

I know you still want me dead.

[Yo_Mama]

5. Deranged scientists discovered in Australia

There are no soft and cuddly tarantulas. Plenty of hairy ones, no cuddly ones.

[struggle4progress]

6. "... a very painful bite, which can cause humans around six hours of nausea and vomiting ..."

The Australian notion "soft and cuddly" may have a meaning different from usage elsewhere, as illustrated by this genuine example of speech in the Down-under:

"What a *urp* adorable little *retch* spider, so *barf* soft and *puke* cuddly"