Scientists have discovered spiders with tails because nightmares are real

Around 100 million years ago, oozing tree sap poured over hundreds of tiny spiders, killing and preserving the critters in hardened amber. 

Recently, miners in northern Burma pulled this ancient amber out of a quarry. Chunks of it were purchased by paleontologists, who found in the amber many well-preserved spiders — some of them with long, almost scorpion-like tails. Yes, tails.

After closely scrutinizing the critters, scientists have determined they’re likely a sort of proto-spider, not quite a proper arachnid, but a bridge between today’s eight-legged insect-hunters and a more primitive species. Read more…

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