Steatoda paykulliana
Scientists have recently discovered the presence of several exotic species of spiders living in the UK. Their theory is that the warmer climate is now allowing exotic spiders to survive in the UK after arriving here in food and plants cargos.
Amongst the new species, scientists have identifies a false widow spider, an imitation of the black widow.
Organizations such as Buglife and The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have started worrying about it and will take a closer look at the rules concerning introducing merchandise from exotic countries into the UK.
The British Arachnological Society has identified three species of spiders that are apparently full time residents of the UK. The first one is the Steatoda paykulliana, a black widow look-alike that is normally to be found in North Africa, and West Asia. It has recently been introduced in the country and colonies have already been spotted in Plymouth.
The second species, on the other hand, has been in the UK for a longer time, but the cold weather has stopped it from spreading. Now that the climate is getting warmer every year, the Steatoda nobilis is populating the entire South Coast area.
Finally, the third species is the Segestria florentina, a large biting venomous spider, who has been moving towards the North of the country year by year.
In the view of latest discoveries, environmental organizations are keeping a closer eye on the evolution of these species in the UK and are coming up with plans to stop the migration of exotic insects towards new habitats.
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Loading ...Posted under Around the world, Environment
This post was written by Dana Ciucalau on October 16, 2008
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