Giant spider revives in England

The giant spiders eat fish (fen raft spider) as big as the hand of luck escaping the danger of extinction in recent times.

The Telegraph today reported that the largest spider species in the UK skyrocketed in numbers after being taken to a new habitat. Previously, they were on the list of endangered animals until 2010.

Giant spider eating fish with cream-colored stripes on the body.(Photo: National / RSPB).

According to conservationists, areas in Norfolk and Suffolk, England, are home to thousands of spiders. At one location, the number of spiders doubled last year.

This amphibian species lives in ditches and lakes in submerged lands, can lay up to 700 eggs each time although very few eggs exist. They feed the young in crystal-like networks. Through counting numbers, conservationists can track their numbers.

Dr. Helen Smith, an ecologist, said some spiders lay eggs twice a year. The big female spiders have a body of 2.3cm long while striding reaches 7cm. Their features are cream-colored stripes on the body. They feed on insects such as water bugs and coconut bugs, near-mature tadpoles and small fish.

Spider mother feeds her in crystal-like networks.(Photo: Helen Smith).

"It is great to see spiders growing well in the reserve. They have a suitable plant environment and ditches to help create a breeding net in addition to an abundant source of prey. Spiders are expand the scope of living to new ditches , said Tim Strudwick, conservation area manager at Strumpshaw Fen natural reserve garden.