Arachnophobes beware, researchers have discovered a new species of giant spider which could have you running for the hills.

The golden orb weaver spider (Nephila Komaci) measures over 12cm in diameter and are found in in Africa and Madagascar.

They are capable of spinning webs which reach up to 1m and while they couldn't kill you, experts say they could give you a nasty bite.

But the US and Slovenian researchers who recently discovered the beasts add that they are not all huge

At just 1 inch, the males are about five times smaller than their mates - luckily for him she says size doesn't matter.