A rare and critically endangered spider was spotted in the UK 40 years on from its last sighting, with scientists describing the find as an ‘unforgettable discovery’
Scientists have rediscovered a critically endangered species 40 years on from the animal’s last UK sighting.
A critically endangered wolf spider was spotted on the Isle of Wight, in a major conservation success. The spider was last seen in Britain four decades ago, with the last recorded sighting in the UK in 1985.
The rare, small, orange-legged Aulonia albimana, named the white-knuckled wolf spider was recently spotted at the National Trust’s Newtown National Nature Reserve, a remote nature reserve accessible only by boat. The sighting is a huge win for the charity’s conservation project at Newtown, which is part of Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme. The scheme provides targeted action for England most endangered plant and animal life.
The entomologists who found the spider gave it its name thanks to the insect’s pale ‘knuckles’ on the small leg-like appendages at each side of its mouth.
Entomologists Mark Telfer and Graeme Lyons rediscovered the spider this autumn, about 2kms away from its former colony and last known location. They made the discovery just in the nick of time, reports Coventry Observer.
Telfer said: “This is one of those unforgettable discoveries. To find a species thought lost for 40 years is thrilling – and testament to how the right habitat management, combined with curiosity and collaboration, can deliver remarkable results.”
Lyons said: “I suggested calling it the White-knuckled Wolf Spider because this was probably the longest long shot I’ve ever taken part in.
“We had just four hours at the site where this spider was last seen 40 years ago, before our boat came to pick us up. I found the first one with just nine minutes to go, and the second one in the last minute. I’ve seen 559 species of spider in the British Isles and this one was by far the most exciting find!”
Rosie Hails, the National Trust’s Nature and Science Director, said:“Not everyone will have the chance to spot species as rare and mysterious as these spiders, but this time of year is brilliant for wildlife watching. There’s always drama happening in the natural world – you’ve just got to pause to notice it.”
The rediscovery comes as experts claim that the UK is set to become as riddled with giant venomous spiders as Australia is, due to the changing climate.
Long hot dry periods followed by days of rain are the perfect breeding ground for tropical creepy crawlies. And pest experts have said it’s not long until we could also be infested with them as the country continues to warm up.
Sophie Thorogood, technical training manager at Pest-Stop, said: “On a daily basis, spiders will enter the UK through shipments, but our colder winters typically prevent non-native species from establishing themselves.
“However, with changing weather patterns, we may see more non-native insects and spiders becoming established over the next decade.”
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