Home / Environment / Rare "Mini-Tarantula" Spider Spotted at National Trust Site
Rare "Mini-Tarantula" Spider Spotted at National Trust Site
31 Oct
Summary
- Rare purseweb spider found at Kinver Edge conservation site
- Sighting is believed to be the first of its kind in the area
- Spider is sometimes called Britain's "mini-tarantula"

In a surprising discovery, a rare species of spider has been spotted at a National Trust conservation site in Kinver Edge, Staffordshire-Worcestershire. The sighting, which occurred just in time for Halloween, is believed to be the first of its kind in the area.
The elusive creature is the purseweb spider, sometimes referred to as Britain's "mini-tarantula". The eight-legged critter was found in the heathland around Kingsford Heath by a visitor named Matthew Rigby, who said he was "the most excited" he's ever been to find something on Kinver Edge.
Conservationists at the National Trust are thrilled by the discovery, as it indicates that their efforts to restore the diverse landscape and support local wildlife are proving successful. The purseweb spider is known to be a "scarce" species, with most sightings occurring in the south of England.




