Las swamp raft spiders (Dolomedes plant) reappeared in a surprising way in the British county of Norfolk. Between fascination and fear, several residents reported the presence of these giant spidersthe largest in the United Kingdom, in their own homes.
This species, which can reach the size of a human hand – especially in the case of females, which are twice the size of males – had been in danger of extinction the last 15 years, with few sightings after the destruction of its natural habitat.
Son semi-aquatic arachnids, and they were the focus of conservationists, particularly the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), which dedicated efforts to restoring British wetlands.
The Dolomedes plantarius spider breeds and hunts in humid environments. (Photo: Pixabay)In dialogue with the tabloid Daily Echo, Experts told residents that as temperatures drop there will be more sightings, because the species has a appetite according to its size.
Despite its intimidating appearance, They are not poisonous and do not pose a threat to humans. They are hunters of insects, other spiders, dragonfly larvae and even small fish and tadpoles.
The return of the giant spiders Dolomedes plant and its unique features
Its bright cobwebs, very long legs, its brown color with cream-colored stripes on the sides of its head, are some of its identifying characteristics, beyond its size and its ability to move on the surface of the water.
Ecologist Jane Sears, who was also involved in the project, added: «The reintroduction of these spiders is a sign of improving wetland health in Britain and proof that focused conservation efforts can save even the rarest creatures of the abyss.»
A baby swamp raft spider. (Photo: Pixabay)Females are almost twice as large as males. Its body reaches 22 millimeters in length, while the legs are another 70 millimeters, reaching a total of close to 10 centimeters.
Swamp spiders also fulfill a very striking characteristic of arachnids: he cannibalism that occurs immediately after the reproductive act.
Reproduction of giant swamp spiders after nearly becoming extinct
«It is one of the rarest invertebrates in the UK and we are proud of the role our reserves and teams played in its recovery,» said Tim Strudwick, manager of the RSPB Mid Yare nature reserves site, where many of the spiders now live.
Following conservation work, more than 3,000 years of swamp raft were released into the wild. (Photo: Pixabay)Strudwick highlighted that this species plays an important role in maintaining aquatic diversity. «It is estimated that there are currently around 3,750 breeding females spread across 12 sites in Norfolk,» he said.
Regarding reproduction, it also has peculiarities that no other arachnid species has. «The female lays her eggs in a sac and when the young emerge from that sac three weeks later, they form a nursery on aquatic plants,» described ecologist Sears.
«They catch the dew and if there is sun, the light passes through them and they shine; so this spectacle of nature can be seen up to about 20 meters away on the surface of the water,» he said.
And he highlighted: «Although seeing a spider the size of a hand in your house may frighten you, we assure you that it is something to celebrate and not to fear.»
