1.Perentie Goanna (Varanus varius)
The perentie is the largest monitor lizard or goanna native to Australia. It is also the fourth-largest living lizard on earth. The bite of a perentie can do A LOT of damage. Not only because they have enormous sharp teeth but because they secret very harmful bacteria in their saliva that can cause horrendous infections. They are wicked fast and can run up to 40 km/h. They will spring on all four legs but can also run on just their hind legs. These monsters grow in excess of 2.5 metres and have been known to run up people, slicing them with their long claws out of fear. Steer clear of these big guys.
2.Bird-Eating Spider (Phlogius crassipes)
Also known as the barking spider, whistling spider, or Goliath, this nightmare fuel is Australia’s largest spider. It’s venomous fangs can grow up to 1cm in length and, as their name suggests, they make a whistling or barking sound if they are approached or feel threatened. Though a bite from one of these bad boys won’t kill you, it can cause up to six hours of vomiting. Its venom is toxic enough, however, to kill a dog or cat so keep your pets from digging in areas these spiders are known to burrow. They typically live underground in self-made dugouts that can be as large as 1m. Their diet includes small birds, amphibians and large insects. That’s a whole lotta nope for one spider.
3.Creatonotos Gangis Moth (Creatonotos gangis)
This creepy freak of nature is another one of Australia’s horrifying moth species. Though it looks like something out of a Lovecraft novel, it is apparently designed to release pheromones from its four hind coremata to attract a mate. The above photo was taken in an Australian kitchen. Good luck, mate.
4.Spitfire Caterpillars (Perga affinis)
Commonly mistaken for caterpillars, these sawfly larvae huddle in clusters on tree trunks and are known to eject a strong-smelling yellow-green liquid that consists mostly of eucalyptus oil (hence the name Spit Fire) when threatened. It is most likely to cause problems for humans if this liquid gets in your eyes as it can burn.
5.Drop Bear (Urbanus legendus)
Rumoured to ‘drop’ onto tourists from great height, these beasts have been the urban legend of choice for many years in Australia, outranking the Yowie, the Hoop Snake and the River Murray Bunyip. These fictional beasts are described as looking like giant koalas but equipped with razor sharp teeth. Any Aussie will tell you they lurk high up in the treetops just waiting for an unsuspecting bush walker to enter their territory.
6.The Yoda Bat (Not yet classified)
Resembling a certain Jedi master, this stub-nosed bat species was only recently discovered, begging the question, how many other weird creatures are hiding in Australia’s vast landscapes that still haven’t been uncovered? And why can’t we just leave them there, far away from us?
