Whistling Spider (Selenotypus sp.). Also known as Australian tarantulas, these large ground-dwelling spiders occur in open forests and grasslands in tropical northeastern Australia. They live in open burrows in the ground; their leg span is about saucer-size. Their bite can be severe, but not fatal to humans. Their common name derives from the whistling sound they make when provoked. They are sold as pets in Australia. The spider in this photograph was foraging on a termite hill at night. Mareeba, North Queensland, Australia.