Wasp spider spotted in North West for first time, Chester Zoo says

A brightly coloured wasp spider has reached the north-west of England for the first time, conservationists have said.

The large black and yellow spider was recorded during a survey on Chester Zoo’s estate, with a zoo spokesperson saying this was “the first time this fascinating mimic has reached the area”.

Wasp spiders have only previously been spotted in the south of England but zoo bosses believe this arrival, who they have nicknamed Wendy, is a sign that climate change was impacting UK wildlife.

A zoo spokesperson said: “Despite their warning colours and size, wasp spiders pose no threat to humans.”

Zoo conservationists said the wasp spider’s discovery highlighted the need to make space for nature.

The discovery was made by Chester Zoo conservationists working with RECORD, Cheshire’s local environmental records centre, and was subsequently confirmed by an expert from the British Arachnological Society, the zoo said.

Estate biodiversity assistant Rosie Cooper said: “I was looking out for plant species and then I saw this big, stripey, brightly-coloured spider.

“I have what you might call a healthy respect for spiders, so my first thought was ‘woah’ But now I think it’s really cool to have found her.”

The spider is among a number of species whose ranges are moving northwards as they respond to a changing climate, the zoo said.