Rare Spiders Discovered at Suffolk Nature Reserve

Recent surveys at Orford Ness, a nature reserve in Suffolk, have identified 55 different spider species, including 12 that are nationally rare or scarce. Notably, the Neon pictus, a jumping spider previously unseen on the Suffolk coast, has been documented for the first time, extending its known range in the UK. Experts from the British Arachnological Society conducted the surveys and reported that the rare Gnaphosa lugubris spider, which has been recorded only 69 times since 1900, is thriving in the reserve. While the discovery of these spiders may cause unease among arachnophobes, none pose a threat to humans. Meanwhile, in County Durham, homeowners have observed an increase in spider sightings, including larger species, alongside a warning from the Durham Wildlife Trust that such occurrences are natural and beneficial for pest control. The Wildlife Trust emphasizes that spiders play a crucial role in ecosystems by preying on insects, aiding in the reduction of pest populations.