Scientists discover spider mega-city showcasing rare community behavior

Wildlife enthusiasts have discovered a mega-city of creepy crawlies inside the Sulphur Cave on Albania-Greece border.

The world’s largest web is home to more than 110,000 spiders and the jaw-dropping structure stretches more than 106 square meters. 

It marks the first-ever case of communal behavior in this species.

Experts revealed that only two species of spiders have constructed such a massive structure, along the wall of a narrow, low ceiling passage, located just 50 meters from the cavern’s entrance.

• Tegenaria domestica: Commonly known as the domestic house spider.
• Prinerigone vagans: A tiny, moisture-loving species about 3 mm long

The discovery was reported in a study published in Subterranean Biology, whose lead author, Istvan Urak, said that it is one of countless surprises nature holds for us.

In an interview with Live Science, he said, “If I try to explain my emotions at the discovery in three words, they’ll be respect, gratitude and admiration.”

Researchers said that the web is so interconnected and heavy, appearing like the lair of Shelob, that it might someday detach from the wall due to its own weight.

For context, Shelob is a massive, mystical, colossal spider featured in Lord of Rings series.