Although I’m sure they play a vital role in our habitats, I must admit to not being a fan of the ordinary, homing-in-on-your-jam-sandwich kind of wasp.
But donning the classic colours that scream ‘danger!’ to would be predators, the aptly named wasp spider holds much greater appeal.
It’s only been in the UK since the 1930’s and hails from a warm spot by the Mediterranean. Its spread Northwards has been allowed by breeding with its hardier Asian counterpart to create a more resilient race of this striking spider.
Now if only I could happen across this exotic looking hunter catching a hated, picnic-spoiling wasp in its web, that would be a real Monday moment!
This great close up was taken by Richard Revels just down the road in Biggleswade. Why not browse our amazing online library of wildlife photos at rspb-images.com
Well, thank you so much for your response, Maurice. I shall have to hope the day will come when I shall spot one. :)
"They are a prickly, spiny spider so if you pick one up it can feel like you have been bitten," said Mr Stuart Hine (from the Natural History Museum)
"But they are harmless."
The females are about the size of a two-pence piece during the breeding season when they're biggest, so we're not talking tarantula proportions.
Thanks for your query!
This article has all the details: www.dailymail.co.uk/.../Exotic-wasp-spider-bites-swarming-England.html
Well, yes indeed. Striking ! Is it venomous? And your picture makes it look very big ... is it?
Stunning capture