A warrior huntsman with a shield on its chest is among three mysterious spider species uncovered as part of an expedition through Australia's alpine region.
- The Bush Blitz includes botanists and zoologists from Museums Victoria, UNSW and Parks Australia's National Seed Bank
- Arachnologist Joseph Schubert said spiders were hugely diverse and expert at camouflage
- Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said three-quarters of Australia's biodiversity was still waiting to be discovered by science
The 11-day Australian Alps Bush Blitz expedition to discover new species has also revealed a 3-millimetre jumping spider that "looks like a licorice all-sort", along with a wraparound spider that impersonates a tree branch.
Museums Victoria Research Institute arachnologist Joseph Schubert discovered the new spiders, and hoped to uncover more species before the expedition ends.
"Most people associate spiders with the outback dunny door, but spiders are hugely diverse," he said.
"From the infamous shield huntsman with war paint on his legs and a shield on his chest to frighten off predators, to the tiny jumping spiders that look like eight-eyed puppies."
The new huntsman is a member of the shield or badge huntsman Neosparassus genus, found all over Australia.
Mr Schubert said spiders were also experts at camouflage.
"The wraparound spider is a ferocious nocturnal mini-hunter that impersonates a tree branch during the day to hide from predators," he said.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek lauded the finds as exciting.
There are 15 scientists on the expedition, along with five science teachers working as field assistants.
The teachers are able to connect with classrooms in real time while on the expedition through a dedicated website.
"The discovery of three new spiders in the Australian alps is fantastic," Ms Plibersek said.
"Around three-quarters of Australia's biodiversity is still waiting to be discovered by science.
"Programs like Bush Blitz are giving us a deeper understanding of Australian habitats so that we can make nature-positive decisions for the future."
Mr Schubert said many of Australia's were spider were "unnamed, unknown, undocumented and invisible to government, industry and the community".
"If a species is not known, it cannot be adequately protected."
Among the 15 scientists on the expedition are botanists and zoologists from the Australian Museum, Parks Australia's National Seed Bank, the Museums Victoria Research Institute, the National Herbarium of NSW and Victoria, and the University of New South Wales.
AAP/ABC