Where Can You Get Jumping Spiders in the UK?
WouterJumping spiders are a member of the Salticidae family. They are one of the largest families of spiders in the world with over 5 thousand species.
In the UK, there are 38 species of jumping spider. Many of them are very striking. Their colours are often black and white with a brown stripe. Some are ant-mimics, and others are well camouflaged.
In the South of the UK, you can find the huntsman spider. This small species is often found in woodland and long grass. It’s nocturnal and will normally spend the day sleeping in a crack or hole.
Another nocturnal species is the Steatoda nobilis. This spider is native to Madeira and the Canary Islands, and is usually spotted in the southern half of the country.
Unlike many species of spider, the Distinguished jumping spider is not known to bite humans. It has been included on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan species list.
The Daddy Long Leg is the most common of UK spiders. It’s often seen in the corner of a house during the summer months, and will often vibrate its web to scare off potential attackers.
One new species, the Sibianor larae, has been discovered in the UK. This tiny jumping arachnid was discovered by naturalist Richard Burkmar.
While he was trying to track down old Sibianor specimens at the World Museum in Liverpool, he was surprised to discover that there was a species of the spider that was entirely new to science.
