The female Enoplognatha caricis (E. caricis) is a species of cobweb spider which is labelled as “extremely rare and vulnerable to extinction in both the UK and Europe” by the British Arachnological Society.
It is usually found in wet, marshland habitats.
The rare spider has only ever been seen four times in the UK, according to the British Arachnological Society and BBC Countryfile:
- 1888 – Unknown
- 2009 – Castle Marshes in Suffolk
- 2019 – A garden centre in York
- 2020 – A pond in Gloucester
“Extremely rare” spider spotted in UK for just the fourth time
Now, the female Enoplognatha caricis has been spotted for a fifth time at WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes, south-west London.
The rare arachnid was discovered by spider enthusiast Shreyas Kuchibhotla next to one of the reserve’s ponds, according to the WWT London website.
Senior Reserve Warden at WWT London, Callum Moore, said: “WWT London’s Wild Side boasts small water channels that bend and weave through a combination of small grassland and wet fen areas, before reconnecting to the rest of the centre.
“We regularly clear out the vegetation from the water channels, making the edges vibrant and bushy spaces for small invertebrates, like this rare species, to thrive.
“Creating and protecting habitats that attract a wider range and breadth of rare species is ultimately the core of what WWT is about and why we exist.
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“Wetlands are wondrous places where water meets land, and provide sanctuary to 40% of the world’s wildlife.
“It’s absolutely vital that the habitats at our centres are in the best condition they can be, to give vulnerable species like E. caricis, the best chance of survival.”
Mr Moore added that the E. caricis spotted at WWT London has been identified to be a mature female, suggesting there could be more of these rare insects using the habitat as well.
