Mediterranean spider spotted in Dorset for the first time

A Mediterranean spider that can almost grow to the size of a pound coin has been spotted for the first time in Dorset.

The False Wolf Spider is normally only found in London and generally prefers to be indoors.

Now, ones has been spotted near Dorchester.

Simon Craft from Charminster was clearing out his bag when he spotted the large spider, which he says was about 40mm toe to toe.

Simon said:

"I was just going through my work bag, lucky I did really because I could have squashed it.

"It just looked like a miniature tarantula to me, because a lot of spiders have thin legs but I noticed his chunky looking legs."

Simon put a photo of the spider on Twitter, where it was verified as a False Wolf Spider and he was told it's the first one found in Dorset.

Only a few records exist of sightings outside of London.

Is it dangerous?

False Wolf Spiders may look nasty, but they're not considered to be a threat to humans. While they can penetrate the skin and produce a painful bite, it's harmless and bites are considered to be unlikely.

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• Dorset
• Spider
• false wolf