The world’s largest spider web so far has been found in Europe on the border of Albania and Greece. Scientists have found more than 1,11,000 spiders in this cave. This is believed to be the largest spider colony ever. The study of this discovery has been published in the research journal named Subterranean Biology on October 17. Scientists say that this is the first time that two common spider species have been seen living together in such a large group.

This trap was found in the Sulfur Cave, which is on the border of Albania and Greece. This cave is formed by the formation of hydrogen sulphide gas mixed with water. For this reason it has a strong smell of sulphur. This trap inside the cave is spread over 106 square meters (1,140 square feet). This trap is located near a narrow, low-ceilinged tunnel and is always spread in the dark part. Scientists say that this net is made up of thousands of small funnel-like nets.

Which spiders live in this cave?

Scientists have found two major spider species here

1. Tegenaria domestica- Also called house spider or barn spider.
2. Prinerigone vagans- which is usually found in open areas.

The team’s chief scientist Istvan Yurak said that about 69,000 Tegenaria domestica and 42,000 Prinerigone vagans were found in this cave. DNA test also proved that both these species are major members of this big network.

How was the discovery made?

This cave was first discovered in 2022 by scientists of the Czech Speleological Society. At that time he saw this huge net but did not study it in detail. After this, in 2024, a team of scientists again visited this cave and collected samples of the net. Istvan Yurak, a scientist from Sapientia University of Transylvania, Hungary, examined them and himself went to the cave and did research.

Scientists’ reaction

Istvan Yurak said, when I saw this net, I was surprised. This is one of the most amazing things in nature. Seeing so many spiders together was no less than a miracle. He told that this is the first such example in the world when two different spider species are living together in such large numbers and making webs together.

What is the plan ahead?

Scientists are now doing further research on this colony to understand how these spiders live in such large numbers without conflict. This cave is on the border of two countries, so scientists say that it is important to preserve it so that there is no damage.