Large fox spiders have been spotted in the UK for the first time in over 25 years
Spider enthusiast Mike Waite of the Surrey Wildlife Trust rediscovered the rare creature at a military training site in Surrey, overturning fears the spider might be extinct in the UK
M Waite spent two years hunting the nocturnal spider at the military site, the place where it was last seen in 1993 “One night all my efforts paid off as I searched with my light, roamed the sandy trails – it was there, ”he said « It was a golden moment »
He recounted how he found 22 large fox spiders, including a large mature female « As soon as the torch light shone on him I immediately knew what it was, because of the size and marks, it was a fantastic, big and beautiful big fox spiderI had seen so many pictures of it online, and there was one in front of me, ”he says
The large fox spider is known for its distinctive fox-like hunting style It chases its prey over sandy, gravel and boulder terrain before pouncing on its fleeing insects prey It then injects venom into the insect to immobilize its prey (the venom also liquefies the internal organs of the insect) before returning
The UK is right on the edge of the spider’s natural home range. It has only ever been spotted at three sites; military base and two other sites in Dorset Larger populations can be found in mainland Europe
But M Waite is convinced that this newly discovered population can survive, thanks to its access to ideal habitat undisturbed by development or agriculture. He plans to continue his study by examining the size of the current population
« The rediscovery of the great spider fox is indeed the most exciting thing that has happened in wildlife circles in quite some time, » commented Nick Baker, president of the British Arachnological Society. be in good hands «
Spider, fox, extinction, endangered species
News from the world – GB – Rare species of fox spider rediscovered in Surrey after 25 years of extinction
