From Spiderpedia....
"Project eight eyes was a CIA coldwar iniative to develop a genetically engineered pest plague that could be used to cripple enemy vehicle fleets. The first ones were created by accident when testing Aspartame, instead of dying at higher doses test subjects mutated and changed their diets. A scientist noted a loose test subject went into a frenzy at the sniff of cleaning solvents. Further testing and developement led to insects being able to specifically scent and target individual fuel varieties.
Cockroaches, field mouse, rats, cicvadas and spiders were all tested with the latter having best results.
The final strain were very effective and would swarm a refuelling facility to the point filters and pumps would be clogged and blocked vents on electronic fuel meteering pumps would see circuits overheat.
Late in 1978 a C130 Hercules crashed after the crew were badly distracted by a terrible rash and infection they had picked up in Hanoi red lighht district while on RnR.On board was a test colony headed to afganistan to be tested on soviet forces fighting American sponsored rebels. Under the cover of a thunderstorm a nucleaur device was detonated to destroy the colony but some escaped and mutated to higher levels.
Many countries list the Benzinoractula spider as a Class one Bio security hazard and treat with extreme caution. Spotted in various places around the world since, sightings are rare.
In New Zealand a road transport and agriculture dependant country an outbreak was found in 2013 near Dunedin. Under the cover of a military training exercise so as not to alarm the public, special forces were deployed with flame throwers to quell the outbreak. Legislation was later eneacted enabling the sue of deadly force and immediate destruction of any property or vehicles thought to be infected. Fines and penalties for failing to comply with MAF or military instructions during a suspected Benzinoractula spiderplague include up to ten years jail and fines of up to $250,000.
A popular urban myth says that if you Urinate on your vehicle it wards of th spiders although under military secrets authorities wont confirm this. Some say having multiple people urinate on your vehicle improves the effectiveness of the repellant.
Reports are also emerging of cross species contamination after birds have eaten the spiders. Some have been seen to be pecking fuel hoses madly."
Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket - Eric Hoffer
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