Australian bird-eating spider

[KurtS]

Impressive creature--as long as it's never in my yard! 
I believe I've seen golden orb weavers in Hawaii, but never like this.
"The startling images were reportedly taken in Atheron, close to Queensland's tropical north."
More story found here.

[Nighthawk]

Looks like a scene from a horror movie! 

[latman]

So.....when are you all coming for a visit?

[KurtS]

  LOL...the animals are one of the big reasons I'd visit--I'd even want to see the dangerous ones, from a safe distance.

[Muckeye]

I have also seen them in Papua New Guinea.
In PNG they also have a crab that eats coconuts!!
regards,

[KurtS]

Muckeye, I have read that!   Apparently, they can get through the husk and shell to the coconut meat.
If anyone has tried to get past a coconut husk/shell, you'll appreciate how strong these crabs must be.

[TwoShadows]

I enjoy all forms of wildlife and find my self fascinated by the insect world but I have NO love for spiders. Nothing much bothers me, when it comes to the outdoor world, except spiders. I actually have a friend who, when out hunting, will shoot a spider rather than knock down its web if it is on the path he is taking. I am not quite that extreme but always carry a big stick when hiking in the late summer or fall. While I can appreciate their right to be here I refuse to share my immediate space with them!!!

[KurtS]

I actually have a friend who, when out hunting, will shoot a spider...

--Best to shoot first, ask questions later?     That's a serious concern for spiders!

I could add here that we have spiders just as large as the one pictured above.
These are tarantulas the size of my hand, but what is most concerning is the insect that feeds on these spiders.
It is a wasp that has one of the most painful stings in the world--and it hunts this tarantula. 
The "tarantula hawk" is a beautiful insect with metallic golden wings--approaching the size of a hummingbird.
I have seen one carry a full-grown tarantula into its nesting burrow, where it lays eggs on the spider paralyzed as food for its young.
--One of those "nature channel" moments.