A spider thought lost to the United Kingdom for four decades has been rediscovered on the Isle of Wight, offering a rare glimpse into the success of habitat restoration and conservation efforts. The Aulonia albimana, informally nicknamed the white-knuckled wolf spider, was last recorded in the UK in 1985 and has now reappeared at the National Trust’s Newtown nature reserve, a remote location accessible only by boat.
A Lucky Discovery
The rediscovery was made by entomologists Mark Telfer and Graeme Lyons, who conducted an intensive search of the reserve—only 2km (1.2 miles) from where the spider’s former colony was found. Lyons described the search as a “longest long shot” and felt incredibly fortunate to find the first specimen with just nine minutes left before their boat arrived. The second spider was discovered in the final minute.
Unique Spider with a Mysterious Hunting Style
Aulonia albimana belongs to the wolf spider family, characterized by their agile ground-based hunting tactics reminiscent of a wolf’s chase and pounce. There are approximately 38 species of wolf spider inhabiting the UK. However, this particular spider presents a fascinating mystery: while known for its predatory skills, it also spins delicate webs.
“I suggested calling it the white-knuckled wolf spider because this was probably the longest long shot I’ve ever taken part in,” said Lyons.
The name also stems from the distinctive pale “knuckles” on the spider’s small leg-like mouth appendages.
Habitat Restoration and Conservation Success
The spider’s reappearance highlights the positive impact of habitat restoration. Previously overgrown, the Newtown nature reserve was revitalized by the National Trust, who utilized a flock of Hebridean sheep to graze and maintain short, open turf—creating the patchy, sunlit ground favored by the white-knuckled wolf spider. This effort created the right conditions for the spider to persist and potentially thrive.
Dr. Helen Smith, conservation officer for the British Arachnological Society, hailed the discovery as one of Britain’s most notable “lost species” rediscoveries of the century. The species was increasingly believed to be extinct, as repeated searches at its former sites failed to locate it, coinciding with a loss of its preferred open habitat.
“The remarkable discovery of this dapper little spider on the Isle of Wight is one of Britain’s epic ‘lost species’ rediscoveries of the century,” Dr. Smith explained.
The rediscovery emphasizes the importance of active conservation efforts and how they can facilitate the comeback of endangered species. The British Arachnological Society looks forward to collaborating with the National Trust to further understand the spider’s population, its habitat requirements, and how best to ensure its future in the UK.
