Cerbalus aravaensis - Second largest spider in the Middle East, discovered to science in the 2000's

Cerbalus aravaensis is a huntsman spider found in the southern Arava Valley of Israel and Jordan. The species was discovered in 2003 during research conducted in both sides of the border (Israel and Jordan). It was first described by Gershom Levy of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2007. The spider has a leg span of 14 centimetres (5.5 in), making it the largest member of the family Sparassidae in the Middle East. Males have a body length of 1.85–2.40 centimetres (0.73–0.94 in), while females' body length is 2.20–2.65 centimetres (0.87–1.04 in).

C. aravaensis is nocturnal and is most active during the hot summer months. It lives in sand dunes, and partly stable sands at the edge of salt marshes. It constructs underground dens with hinged, trap-door like covers made of sand and glue, in order to disguise the entrance from prey and predators.

This species is endemic only to the southern Arava Valley and specifically to the Sands of Samar, the last remaining sand dunes in this region of Israel which are disappearing. Re-zoning of areas for agriculture and sand quarries have reduced the Sands of Samar to only 3 km2. Mining projects were renewed in recent years and thus the habitat's future is uncertain. Should the Sands of Samar be destroyed, it is unlikely that C. aravaensis would survive.
More recently the mining was halted as a result of the struggle ecological bodies in Israel saw to conclusion. Should the Sands of Samar be destroyed, it is unlikely that C. aravaensis would survive, as this is the only area in the world that the spider exists in.