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Exotic spiders flourishing in Britain as new jumping species found in Cornwall

www.theguardian.com Exotic spiders flourishing in Britain as new jumping species found in Cornwall

Global warming and international trade offering increasingly hospitable environment

Exotic spiders flourishing in Britain as new jumping species found in Cornwall

Some are small and jumpy; others are large and intimidating – if you’re a humble housefly. Exotic spiders are flourishing in Britain as international trade offers ample opportunities for spider travel and global heating provides an increasingly hospitable climate.

A jumping spider new to science has been identified living on the Penryn campus in Cornwall, home to the University of Exeter and Falmouth University. The nearest known relative of the 3-4mm-long Anasaitis milesae is found in the Caribbean, making it highly likely that this tiny species – alongside 17 other non-native jumping spider species – found its way to Britain from distant climes.

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