White-Knuckled Wolf Spider Makes Thrilling UK Comeback After 40 Years

A rare and critically endangered spider, known as the white-knuckled wolf spider, has been rediscovered in the UK after not being seen for four decades. The spider, whose scientific name is Aulonia albimana, was found at the National Trust's Newtown nature reserve on the Isle of Wight. This area is remote and can only be reached by boat, making the search even more challenging. The last time anyone saw this spider in the UK was back in 1985, and many people thought it had disappeared for good. Entomologists Mark Telfer and Graeme Lyons were the ones who made the exciting discovery, finding the spider with just minutes left before their boat was scheduled to pick them up.

Wolf spiders are famous for their hunting skills, chasing and pouncing on their prey like wolves. There are about 38 species of wolf spiders in the UK, but the Aulonia albimana is unique because it also spins a weak web, which is unusual for wolf spiders. The nickname 'white-knuckled wolf spider' comes from the pale spots on its leg-like parts near its mouth. Mr. Lyons said this was the most thrilling spider he had ever found, and he has seen hundreds of different spider species in the British Isles. The rediscovery was described as unforgettable and a sign that good habitat management and teamwork can lead to amazing results.

The nature reserve where the spider was found had become overgrown, but the National Trust restored it with the help of Hebridean sheep. These sheep eat the plants and keep the ground open and sunny, which is the perfect environment for the white-knuckled wolf spider. Dr. Helen Smith, a conservation officer for the British Arachnological Society, called the rediscovery one of Britain's greatest 'lost species' stories. She explained that the spider's old habitats had disappeared, making it seem like the species was extinct. Thanks to the restoration work, the spider now has a place to survive and hopefully thrive. Experts are now working to find out how many of these spiders are left and what conditions they need to grow their population and secure their future. This story highlights the importance of protecting and restoring natural habitats to help rare species survive.