Australian Museum Uncovers Rare Miocene Spider Fossils at New South Wales Site

The Australian Museum has announced significant fossil discoveries from McGraths Flat, a newly identified Miocene site near Gulgong in central New South Wales. After three years of excavation and preparation work, researchers have recovered thousands of exceptionally preserved specimens from this Konservat-Lagerstätten deposit, which retains fine biological details. Among the most notable finds are 13 spider fossils—a remarkable increase from the previous total of four known across Australia. These specimens include multiple species such as cobweb and trapdoor spiders, offering insights into ancient ecosystems. The project received funding from Robert Etheridge Jr's descendants and the Australian Museum Foundation.