THE long-jawed orbweaver is a type of spider that spins spectacular and eerie webs.
One major sub-species, the tetragnatha, is also known as the stretch spider because of its creepy long legs. Here's all you need to know about the creepy crawly.
What are long-jawed orb weavers?
They are found all over the world although most thrive in warmer climates in the tropics and subtropics.
They are commonly called stretch spiders because of their eerier elongated body form.
When disturbed they will stretch their front legs forward — while they jut their other six legs backwards.
This allows them to hide on blades of grass or similar elongated pieces of foliage like twigs and leaves.
The spiders, of the tetragnathidae family, weave orb webs, often in long vegetation near water.
They are so light and nimble that they are able to run over water and therefore choose the water's edge as their preferred habitat.
The name tetragnatha is derived from Greek, tetra — a numerical prefix referring to four and gnatha meaning jaw.
One of the biggest and most common species is T. extensa.
It can be found near lakes, river banks or swamps.
Large numbers of individuals can often be found in reeds, tall grass or minor trees and shrubs.
What did a group of long-jawed orb weavers create in Greece?
In September 2018 locals in the Greek island town of Aitoliko woke to find a massive 300metre-long spider's web along the shore.
The huge web was spun overnight across shrubs and bushes lining the sea-front.
Unseasonably warm weather was thought to be behind the extraordinary behaviour.
Maria Chatzaki, a professor of molecular biology and genetics, told Newsit.gr: "It's as if the spiders are taking advantage of these conditions and are having a kind of a party.
"They mate, they reproduce and provide a whole new generation.
"These spiders are not dangerous for humans and will not cause any damage to the area's flora.
"The spiders will have their party and will soon die."
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Could the spiders come to the UK?
Long-jawed orb-weavers are found all over the world apart from arctic or desert conditions.
While they prefer more tropical and humid conditions, they do already live in the UK.
About 50 species belonging to the tetragnathidae family are found in Europe.
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