‘Lost’ spider species rediscovered on Isle of Wight

A critically endangered spider not seen in the UK for 40 years has been rediscovered.

Aulonia albimana, which was last recorded in the UK in 1985, was found at the National Trust’s Newtown National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Wight.

The team that found the tiny orange-legged arachnid has informally named it the white-knuckled wolf spider.

Entomologist Mark Telfer said: “To find a species thought lost for 40 years is thrilling – and testament to how the right habitat management, combined with curiosity and collaboration, can deliver remarkable results.”