The Fen Raft Spider was once nearly extinct. However, a breeding project in Britain has successfully revived the species, which can also walk on water.
Norfolk – Female Fen Raft Spiders can grow larger than a man’s hand. Due to studies showing that the spider species was nearly extinct, conservationists in Britain initiated a breeding program – with success. Now, there are thousands of breeding females in a single county in eastern England.
Breeding Program Leads to the Return of the Fen Raft Spider
In 2010, there were only a few Fen Raft Spiders left in Britain. However, a breeding initiative launched afterward has led to a remarkable increase: there are now 3,750 breeding females in the British county of Norfolk, eastern England. This is a significant achievement for species conservation. “These spiders play an important role in maintaining the rich aquatic diversity,” explains Tim Strudwick, the manager of the Mid Yare Nature Reserve.
The spider is “one of Britain’s rarest invertebrates, and we are proud of the role our reserves and teams have played in its recovery.” The females are “not only impressively large but also beautiful – it is truly something special to see them.”
Fen Raft Spider Feeds on Fish and Walks on Water
The Fen Raft Spider can even walk on water and feeds partly on fish, in addition to spiders, dragonfly larvae, and pond skaters. Its habitat is in marshes and wetlands near slow-moving water. These shy creatures are best seen near such areas “from June to September,” the researcher continues.
For humans, this spider species is completely harmless. The same cannot be said for the Brown Recluse Spider, which is native to Greece, Spain, and Italy. A man on the Italian island of Sicily recently died after being bitten by one. The bite of the False Widow Spider, found in Germany, can also be dangerous.
