Scientists have discovered a new and uncommon species of colossal trapdoor spider in Australia.

The remarkable arachnid is so enormous that it has been dubbed “Euoplos dignitas” – which translates to dignity or greatness in Latin – to reflect its impressive size.

Female spiders, which tend to be larger than males, can reach a body length of up to five centimetres, according to the researchers.

Dr Michael Rix, who is the arachnology curator at the Queensland Museum and one of the primary researchers, remarked that it is a “magnificent and sizable species.”

Despite this, scientists believe that the likelihood of encountering the spider is relatively low.