In something we don’t often hear about, the Fen Raft spider, once on the brink of extinction, has shown signs of a rebirth. Fen Raft Spider is large in size and dark brown in color. This spider lives on the banks of ponds and ditches. They put their front legs on the surface of the water. In this way, they feel the vibrations of potential prey.
Fen Raft Spiders dive underwater to hunt or when they feel threatened. Their targets are invertebrates. Sometimes they also target tadpoles or small fish. Fen Raft spiders have been listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Species.
According to a report by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, their numbers have grown into the thousands. The best thing about these spiders is that they are not harmful to humans. They can be found behind the sofa or cabinets. Fan Raft spiders are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
RSPB’s Tim Strudwick said that Fan Raft spiders are the rarest invertebrates in the UK. Tim said that he was very proud that his team was behind his recovery. Tim said that female Fan Raft Spiders are quite impressive in size.
These spiders are best found in wetlands, such as the RSPB Strumpshaw Fen in the Norfolk Broads. According to Tim, these spiders are seen grazing in swampy ditches. They are fairly easy to find from June to September. He said that this is also the time when young Fan Raft Spiders are born.
The British Arachnological Society, Suffolk and Sussex Wildlife Trusts, Natural England and Broads Authority have also helped the RSPB revive this species. This is a translocation project between these species.
Fen Raft Spider bodies measure over 20mm in length. They measure approximately 70mm including the legs.
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