Wasp spider seen in north of England latest ‘climate refugee’ amid global heating
A female wasp spider, native to mainland Europe, was spotted in Cheshire for the first time, marking a significant northward expansion of its range. Conservationists identify this event as part of a broader trend of species becoming 'climate refugees' due to global heating. While the spider is not dangerous to humans, experts warn that such ecological shifts may have unknown negative implications for local ecosystems.
- ▪The Argiope bruennichi was discovered in a rewilded field on the Chester Zoo estate, confirming the first recorded sighting in Cheshire.
- ▪Female wasp spiders can grow to about 2cm in body length, making them one of the largest spiders in the UK.
- ▪The species is known for cannibalizing its mates, with up to 80% of males dying after their first mating attempt.
- ▪Conservationists attribute the spider's northward movement to climate change, describing it as a 'climate refugee' phenomenon.
- ▪Experts note that the long-term impact of this species on local northern UK ecosystems remains uncertain.
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| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/22/wasp-spider-climate-refugee-north-of-england |
| Publication time | Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:31:11 GMT |
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Female wasp spiders can grow to about 2cm in body length, making it one of the largest spiders found in the UK. Photograph: Chester ZooView image in fullscreenFemale wasp spiders can grow to about 2cm in body length, making it one of the largest spiders found in the UK. Photograph: Chester ZooSpidersWasp spider seen in north of England latest ‘climate refugee’ amid global heatingThe Argiope bruennichi, spotted in Cheshire for first time, part of worrying trend that could threaten native speciesDonna FergusonTue 22 Sep 2026 08.31 EDTLast modified on Tue 22 Sep 2026 08.32 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleShe is an unlikely harbinger of the climate emergency: a venomous black and yellow spider who spins mysterious patterns in her webs and eats her mates for breakfast.Native to mainland…
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