Large spider species arrives in West Midlands

One of the UK's largest spider species has been spotted in the West Midlands as warmer temperatures push it more than 100 miles from its usual habitat.

The wasp spider, known for its distinctive yellow, black and white stripes, is traditionally found in southern England but has been recorded increasingly further north in recent years

Unlike its namesake, the species cannot fly, but spiderlings can travel long distances by "ballooning" on silk strands carried by the wind.

The spider has recently been recorded in Worcestershire, alongside sightings in Herefordshire and Warwickshire, according to Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

Wendy Carter from the trust said people should not be alarmed by the spider's size.

"I know they're quite scary because they're quite big, but they're phenomenal creatures and they're not going to do us any harm," she said.

Carter and her partner recorded a sighting near Eckington last weekend, adding to a string of reports from across the county.

The spider has also been spotted in Evesham, Broadway and Worcester, with the most recent sighting coming in Feckenham.

"We knew they were in the county because we'd had one record last year and sightings on our borders for a little while," Carter said.

"Then about nine or 10 sightings were reported, all in the south-east of the county along the River Avon.

"So I thought I'd go along the River Avon and find another one."

According to the British Arachnological Society, the bodies of female wasp spiders can grow to about 2cm in length, while males are typically much smaller at about 0.5cm.

They are most commonly found among long grass, thistles and other tall vegetation.

The species was first recorded in Britain in 1922, when one was caught at Rye in East Sussex, but has expanded rapidly northwards in recent decades.

Carter said warmer temperatures and milder winters were likely helping the spider establish itself in new areas.

"It's also pushing our wildlife further north, so we're losing species that are unable to cope with the warmth and the mildness," she said.

"This is a natural progression. Wasp spiders are one of a long line of species that we're starting to see move into the county from the south of England."

The spiders require at least three months of warm weather and a mild winter to breed successfully.

Female wasp spiders are currently laying egg sacs before dying off as temperatures fall later in the year.

Despite their intimidating appearance, Carter said they posed no threat to humans.

"All spiders are venomous because that's how they catch their prey," she said, but added: "Only a handful can pierce human skin and none have venom that can harm us."

Anyone who spots a wasp spider in Worcestershire is encouraged to take a photograph and alert Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

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