What Are Fen Raft Spiders? From Physical Characteristics to Feeding Habits, All You Need To Know About Giant ‘Rat-Sized’ Spiders That Are Making a Comeback in UK
Once on the brink of extinction in 2010, when only a few remained due to the destruction of their wetland habitats, Fen Raft Spiders are now seeing a steady population increase thanks to recent conservation efforts. These fascinating and rare species are making a notable return, particularly in Norfolk and Suffolk Broads in the UK. We bring you a detail about these spiders.
The largest spider species in the UK, known for growing as large as rats and preying on fish, is making a notable comeback. Once on the brink of extinction in 2010, when only a few remained due to the destruction of their wetland habitats, Fen Raft Spiders are now seeing a steady population increase thanks to recent conservation efforts. These fascinating and rare species are making a notable return, particularly in Norfolk and Suffolk Broads in the UK. The spiders are set to have their best year on record at nature reserves, run by RSBP. This spider, known for its distinctive appearance and unique habitat preferences, is drawing attention from conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Here’s a closer look at what makes the Fen Raft Spider so intriguing.
What Are Fen Raft Spiders?
The Fen Raft Spider is a large, semi-aquatic spider found in wetland areas. It is known for its ability to walk on water and its preference for habitats with abundant vegetation and standing water. The species is a part of the nursery web spider family and has adapted remarkably well to its specialised environment.
Fen Raft Spider Web Size
The spider can spin a web as large as 25cm, like the size of a regular pizza.
Physical Characteristics of Fen Raft Spiders
Fen Raft Spiders are quite large compared to many other spiders. Adults can have a leg span of up to a human’s palm, making them one of the largest spiders in the UK. They are characterised by their long, slender legs and a body covered in a pattern of dark and light bands, which helps them blend into their watery surroundings. Their colouration typically includes shades of brown and grey, providing effective camouflage among the reeds and grasses of their fenland habitats.
Feeding Habits of Fen Raft Spiders
These spiders are carnivorous and primarily feed on a variety of small aquatic and terrestrial insects. Their diet often includes midges, mosquitoes, small flies, fish and even tadpoles. The Fen Raft Spider uses its speed and agility to capture prey, often waiting near the water’s edge to ambush insects that come too close.
When and Where To See Fen Raft Spiders
Fen Raft Spiders are generally active from late spring to early autumn. They prefer wetland environments such as fens, bogs, and marshes, where they can find their preferred food sources and suitable conditions for their survival. In the UK, the best places to observe these spiders are in protected nature reserves and conservation areas, particularly in Norfolk, where they have been successfully reintroduced.
The return of the Fen Raft Spider to the UK is a noteworthy event for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. These remarkable spiders, with their impressive size and unique ecological niche, highlight the importance of wetland conservation. Observing Fen Raft Spiders in their natural habitat offers a glimpse into the delicate balance of these ecosystems and the ongoing efforts to protect and restore them.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 19, 2024 02:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).