On social media, many viewers were stunned after witnessing a viral video capturing ‘rat-sized’ spiders that ‘live off fish.’
On Twitter, these ‘rat-sized’ spiders were described as “skilled predators,” becoming a nightmare for people with arachnophobia.
The return of fen raft spiders to the UK
If you have a fear of spiders, this news might not be for you. The fen raft spider, a species that was once on the brink of extinction in the UK, is making a surprising comeback.
Fen raft spiders are known for their large size and unique diet.
Additionally, these “rat-sized” spiders are returning to British wetlands thanks to extensive conservation efforts.
On Twitter, a user, who goes by @SWT_NE_Reserves shared a video showing the return of fen raft spiders.
The video has the caption: “Fen raft spiders starting to appear on the Dyke networks of the Lower Waveney Valley. This one was battling the wind even on this sheltered Dyke line.”
Many viewers also shared their shock about the spiders’ huge size.
One person said: Theyre big but theyre pretty and i think theyre neat i hope people leave them alone.
A second wrote: If this shows up at my house I’m burning it down and running away.
While a third commented: So cool! Absolutely thrilled to see they’re making a comeback
Another added: Amazing … They feed on fish …wow!!
The near-extinction of fen raft spiders
Back in 2010, the fen raft spider population in the UK had dwindled to just a few individuals.
Their wetland habitats were largely destroyed by human activities, leading to a severe decline in their numbers.
These spiders, which are among the largest native species in the UK, were almost lost forever.
Characteristics of fen-raft spiders
Fen raft spiders are easily recognizable by their brown or black bodies. They are adorned with distinctive white or cream stripes along the sides.
They are the largest of the UK’s 660 native spider species, with a leg span reaching nearly three inches, or about eight centimeters.
These semi-aquatic spiders can spin webs up to 30 centimeters wide. In addition, the fen raft spider can grow to the size of a man’s hand.
What sets fen raft spiders apart from other spiders is their diet.
They are known to feed on a variety of prey, including damselflies, dragonfly larvae, tadpoles, and even small fish.
Despite their impressive size and unique feeding habits, they are not venomous and are described as “fairly shy,”. Additionally, it poses no threat to humans.
Conservation efforts lead to a revival of fen raft spiders.
However, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has reported that recent conservation efforts have been incredibly successful.
As a result, the fen raft spiders are set to have their best year on record.
According to the RSPB, the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads nature reserves alone now host approximately 3,750 female spiders.
Nationwide, the population of breeding females is estimated to be around 10,000.
Tim Strudwick, the reserves manager for the RSPB in the mid-Yare valley in Norfolk, expressed excitement about the spiders’ recovery.
“We just don’t know how far they are going to spread, and that’s what’s exciting—seeing which bits of habitat they take over next,” he said.
