Spider news: Thousands of GIANT spiders 'size of a human hand' on the loose in Britain after Chester Zoo releases 8-legged monstrosities
Thousands of enormous spiders have been set free in the UK as a popular zoo decided to release these eight-legged creatures as part of their breeding program.
The spooky little creatures were successfully raised in test tubes as part of a project to restore their population.
Chester Zoo and the RSPB, who played a key role in bringing the fen raft spider back from the brink of extinction in the UK, have announced that the population now includes over 10,000 breeding females nationwide.
About fifteen years ago, these "fist-sized" spiders nearly faced extinction due to the loss of their wetland habitat, leading to efforts aimed at bringing their numbers back up.
Fen Raft Spiders were previously found only in three locations in Suffolk and Sussex.
Strudwick also mentioned that the spiders can be found at another RSPB location in Norfolk, specifically in Strumpshaw Fen.
These unique arachnids, which live both on land and in water, are notable for their large size, with legs that can reach as wide as a human hand. They get their name from their remarkable skill in moving across the surface of water to capture their food.
The legs of spiders are lined with small hairs that can sense even the faintest movements in the water, enabling them to hunt efficiently.
Unlike numerous spider species, fen raft spiders do not create webs.
Instead, they proactively seek out their food, which consists of various creatures such as other spiders, damselflies, dragonfly larvae, and even tiny fish and tadpoles.
Tim Strudwick, the site manager for RSPB Mid Yare nature reserves, stated, "The Fen Raft Spider is among the rarest invertebrates in the UK, and we take great pride in the part our reserves and staff have contributed to its revival."
"These spiders play a crucial part in supporting the diverse aquatic life that thrives in the grazing ditches within our reserves," he remarked.
A fen raft spider is a type of spider that is typically found in wetland areas. These spiders are known for their ability to walk on water due to unique adaptations, allowing them to hunt for prey effectively in their aquatic environment. They have a distinctive appearance, often sporting a patterned body that helps them blend into their surroundings. Fen raft spiders are skilled predators and play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. Their habitats are usually characterized by marshes and reedbed areas where they can thrive.
Strudwick emphasized the attractiveness of these spiders, noting, "The females are not only large but also quite lovely - encountering them is a truly unique experience!"
Chester Zoo recently marked a milestone in their conservation initiatives. They proudly shared, "A decade ago, we assisted in the successful reintroduction of thousands of giant spiders into the UK!"
Although they look frightening, these large spiders are harmless to people.
Their presence is considered a good sign of the overall health of ecosystems in the wetlands of the UK.
The growing population of the fen raft spider is a great example of how focused conservation efforts can turn around the decline of endangered species and help bring back biodiversity in at-risk environments.
