AN incredibly rare species of spider has been spotted in the UK for the first time in 40 years.
Feared to have gone extinct, the arachnid was recently rediscovered on the Isle of Wight.
Sign up for newsletter
Thank you!
A species of spider, previosuly feared extinct, has been spotted in the UK for the first time in 40 yearsCredit: PA
The white-knuckled wolf spider, officially known as Aulonia albimana, was last observed in the UK in 1985.
Since then, attempts to find the species in its former homes have all failed.
And now spider experts are thrilled to rediscover the species, which was feared to be extinct.
‘Remarkable’ rediscovery
Dr Helen Smith of the British Arachnological Society spoke about the recent rediscovery.
BACK FROM DEAD
Rare ‘master of disguise’ insect thought to be EXTINCT is spotted in UK
WHAT LIES BENEATH
Incredibly rare prehistoric fish that gobbles up SHARKS is caught in UK
“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,” she said.
The tiny arachnid has orange legs and distinctive pale patches on its palps, the small leg-like appendages on either side of its mouth.
The second detail lead to the team who discovered the species giving it the informal name “white-knucked wolf spider”.
And the name also conveys the drama of the discovery, with the research team spotting the species less than ten minutes before they were due to leave.
Mark Telfer, who led the survey, described the discovery as “unforgettable”.
“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,” he said.
The discovery was part of a conservation project at Newtown National Nature Reserve, which is part of a Natural England programme targeting England’s most endangered wildlife.
And the entomologists weren’t alone in their work, with a local flock of Hebridean sheep chewing through vegetation and creating patchy, sunlit open turf which the spider prefers.
Entomologist Graeme Lyons, who is credited with coming up with the name, recalled the discovery.
“This was probably the longest long shot I’ve ever taken part in,” the expert said.
“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.”
Everything you need to know about spiders
Lyons recalled finding the first one with just nine minutes to go, while the second one was spotted 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,” the pro continued.
The spider was found around two kilometres from its former colony in a remote area only accessible by boat.
It has now been digitally photographed for the first time ever in the UK.
Wolf spiders
There are around 38 species of wolf spider living in the UK, taking their name from their way of hunting.
Most of the species chase their prey along the ground, and then pounce like a wolf.
However, the white-knuckled variety is more mysterious, sometimes spinning a web to catchy prey.
More on wildlife
And the shock moment an angry goose attacked a golfer on a course before knocking him over into a lake.
Plus, the incredible tale of nine foot grizzly bear who caddied for a Hollywood legend and starred in blockbuster film.
A “super weird” sea dragon was uncovered in the UK, potentially solving a 184-million-year-old mystery.
FOOTBALLER GONE
Football League star tragically dies aged just 42 after cancer battle
CHA-CHA-CHAOS
Strictly’s Amber Davies breaks silence after pro Nikita pictured kissing her
And the biggest great white shark ever, known as “Contender” has caught by scientists, measuring 14 feet.
The world’s rarest parrot which has been declared extinct recently hatched at a zoo.
A team of entomologists made the rediscovery during a recent trip to the Isle of WightCredit: PA
