An extremely rare spider that hasn’t been seen in the UK for 40 years has been rediscovered on the Isle of Wight.
The wolf spider species (Aulonia albimana) was found at the National Trust’s Newtown National Nature Reserve on the north coast of the island during an autumn survey.
Last recorded in the UK in 1985, the arachnid has tiny, orange legs, and is known for the pale ‘knuckles’ on its mouthparts.
The National Trust says its reappearance is the result of years of habitat restoration.
- What’s the most common spider in Britain?
- Meet Britain's biggest spiders - their size may surprise you
Wolf spider rediscovery
The spider was found by entomologists Mark Telfer and Graeme Lyons in a remote area of the nature reserve accessible only by boat.
“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,” says Lyons.
“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!
“I suggested calling it the white-knuckled wolf spider because this was probably the longest long shot I’ve ever taken part in.”
- Spider beach: the abandoned military site in England now ruled by arachnids
- Do conkers really keep spiders away?
There are thought to be around 38 wolf spider species living in the UK. They get their name from their agile hunting technique, which involves pursuing prey at speed before leaping on it like a wolf.
Until now, Aulonia albimana had never been photographed in the UK.
“This is one of those unforgettable discoveries,” says Telfer. “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.”
Conservationists have been restoring the habitat at Newtown National Nature Reserve with the help of Hebridean sheep, which graze the vegetation, keeping it short and allowing sunlight to reach the ground – the perfect conditions for this elusive predator.
Dr Helen Smith from the British Arachnological Society says, “The remarkable discovery of this dapper little spider on the Isle of Wight is one of Britain’s epic 'lost species' rediscoveries of the century.”
Top image: Newtown National Nature Reserve. Credit: Getty
More amazing wildlife stories from around the UK
- Cate Blanchett and David Beckham are fans – this ancient art will improve your mental health and boost pollinators
- This Irish town captures a mountain goat every summer and crowns it king. Here’s why
- “A 60-pound seal is barrelling towards me down the corridor.” My day caring for pups at a rescue centre
- Scientists to freeze butterfly eggs in world-first experiment to save rare swallowtail
