Sydney (AFP) - The world's oldest known spider has died at the ripe old age of 43 after being monitored for years during a long-term population study in Australia, researchers said Monday. The arachnid matriarch, who lasted long after the previous record holder for World’s Oldest Spider — a 28-year old tarantula from Mexico — and the information she unknowingly shared, will continue to help researchers unlock the secrets of the trapdoor tarantula’s longevity. The research on the spider population in the Central Wheatbelt region of Western Australia began back in 1974 when Barbara York Main, who is now 88 years old, discovered Number 16 shortly after the spider was born. “To our knowledge this is the oldest spider ever recorded and her significant life has allowed us to further investigate the trapdoor spider’s behaviour and popular dynamics,” said Mason, a student of Main, in a statement from Curtin University in Western Australia where the research was based. “Through Barbara’s detailed research, we were able to determine that the extensive lifespan of the trapdoor spider is due to their life-history traits, including how they live in uncleared, native bushland, their sedentary nature, and low metabolisms,” Mason said. Trapdoor spiders, which are common across Australia and can be found in the wild as well as in residential areas, typically live between five and 20 years. “Through Barbara’s detailed research,” Mason added, “we were able to determine that the extensive life span of the trapdoor spider is due to their life-history traits, including how they live in uncleared, native bushland, their sedentary nature and low metabolisms.”

More: This deadly spider is actually helping to save lives

More: Newly-discovered species of spider with scorpion-like tail

More: Strange home infestations that will keep you up at night

Trapdoor spiders usually live between five to 20 years, with females staying in or near their burrows, while males wander around searching for females to mate with.
The world's oldest known spider, a trapdoor spider known as "Number 16", dies of a wasp sting at the age of 43.