\n The find was called a \u201cmajor conservation success\u201d.\n<\/p>\n
\n The team that found the tiny orange-legged arachnid, Aulonia albimana, which was last recorded in the UK in 1985, have informally named the species the white-knuckled wolf spider.\n<\/p>\n
\n It\u2019s spooky season, but let\u2019s not make it scary for wildlife! \ud83c\udf83\ud83d\udc7b<\/p>\n
Fake web decorations can trap and injure our garden wildlife. Stick to sustainable, indoor decorations and let real spiders do the work outdoors!<\/p>\n
Share these tips & help spread awareness \ud83d\udc47 pic.twitter.com\/loa3XdLLmG<\/a>\n <\/p>\n \n \u2014 RSPB (@Natures_Voice) October 21, 2025<\/a>\n <\/p>\n \n Entomologist Mark Teller, who discovered with colleague Graeme Lyons, said the name was inspired by the distinctive pale \u201cknuckles\u201d on its palps \u2013 small leg-like appendages at the side of the mouth \u2013 and a race against the clock to find it.\n<\/p>\n \n He said: \u201cThis is one of those unforgettable discoveries. To find a species thought lost for 40 years is thrilling \u2013 and testament to how the right habitat management, combined with curiosity and collaboration, can deliver remarkable results.\u201d\n<\/p>\n \n Mr Lyons said: \u201cI suggested calling it the white-knuckled wolf spider because this was probably the longest long shot I\u2019ve ever taken part in.\n<\/p>\n \n \u201cWe had just four hours at the site where this spider was last seen 40 years ago, before our boat came to pick us up.\n<\/p>\n \n \u201cI found the first one with just nine minutes to go, and the second one in the last minute. I\u2019ve seen 559 species of spider in the British Isles and this one was by far the most exciting find.\u201d\n<\/p>\n \n The team located the spider in a remote overgrown area of the reserve accessible only by boat, about 2km away from the spider\u2019s former colony.\n<\/p>\n \n Recommended reading:\n<\/p>\n \n 5 toxins that can be found in your bedroom – how to stop them<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \n Influencer suggests Brits ditch Benidorm for Afghanistan<\/a>\n<\/p>\n