An URGENT warning has been issued to homeowners as the UK is teeming with thousands of rat-sized spiders.
Arachnophobes, look away – Britain has been invaded by giant creepy crawlies that are setting up camps across the country.
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Thousands of spiders are flooding the UK
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Giant spiders are said to be bigger than rats
New research has found that the raft spider, a terrifyingly large arachnid with a leg span as wide as a human hand, is growing in population – and they’re coming to a wetland near you.
The spider, once on the brink of extinction, has made a miraculous comeback thanks to a successful breeding program.
But while conservationists celebrate, homeowners are being warned to prepare for the sight of these giant eight-legged beasts.
These spiders aren’t just big – they’re massive.
Their net can stretch to an incredible 25cm, making them the size of a pizza.
And with more than 3,750 breeding females now hanging around at 12 different sites in Norfolk alone, it’s no wonder the arachnids are grabbing the headlines.
In 2010, the Fen Raft Spider was struggling to survive and was only found in three small locations in Suffolk and Sussex.
But a decade later, things have turned around and now these huge creatures are thriving in the wet, marshy landscapes of the UK.
Tim Strudwick, Site Manager at RSPB Mid Yare Nature Reserves, couldn’t be prouder of the spider’s reappearance.
He said: “The Fen Raft Spider is one of the rarest invertebrates in the UK and we are proud of the role our reserves and teams have played in its recovery.
“These spiders play an important role in maintaining the rich aquatic diversity found in the grazing ditches of our reserves.”
But if you think these oversized spiders are just pests, think again.
Strudwick describes them as: “impressive in size, but also beautiful – truly special to see.”
With their distinctive white or cream stripes running along the sides of their abdomens, these semi-aquatic spiders are a sight to behold.
And if you’re near a pond, be careful – they can run across the surface of the water to grab their prey, which includes everything from other spiders to fish and even tadpoles.
Although the species is still listed as “vulnerable” and remains a priority species, the annual spider surveys in September are expected to show another successful breeding year.
So if you want to get a close-up look at these giant spiders (and have the nerves of steel to do so), head to Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk, where the best sightings are from June to September.
RSPB ecologist Jane Sears, who has been heavily involved in Fen Raft Spider conservation efforts, stressed the importance of continuing to protect the spider’s habitat.
She said: “The RSPB has played an important role in reintroducing these spiders.
“This means we must continue to restore, manage and protect the wetland habitats where the Fen Raft spider thrives to ensure the future of not only this species, but many others.”
So if you spot a rat-sized spider scurrying near your home, don’t panic – just know that Britain’s biggest spider is back and here to stay.
Meanwhile, it’s not just the giant spiders that are bothering the Brits, the pesky little spiders seem to be the hardest to get rid of.
Little red spiders are a problem for homeowners and gardeners alike, but luckily there is a way to get rid of them.
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The species is listed as vulnerable
Everything you need to know about spiders
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education