New hope for ancient spider species, Zephyrarchaea austini, feared extinct on Kangaroo Island

Stan Gorton
Updated November 17 2021 - 12:18pm, first published 12:16pm
ASSASSIN SPIDER: This species of assassin spider - Zephyrarchaea austini - also referred to as a pelican spider, was only known to live in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island. Photo: SA Museum
ASSASSIN SPIDER: This species of assassin spider - Zephyrarchaea austini - also referred to as a pelican spider, was only known to live in the Western River Wilderness Protection Area on Kangaroo Island. Photo: SA Museum

You might think Zephyrarchaea austini - the assassin spider - has a face only its mother could love.

Stan Gorton

Stan Gorton

Journalist

Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.