Critically Endangered “White-Knuckled Wolf Spider” Rediscovered On Isle Of Wight
- Dominic Kureen
- 11h
- 2 min read
A spider not seen in Britain for nearly 40 years has been rediscovered on the Isle of Wight, in what experts are calling one of the country’s greatest wildlife comebacks.
The tiny, orange-legged arachnid — Aulonia albimana, nicknamed the White-knuckled Wolf Spider — was found this autumn at the National Trust’s Newtown National Nature Reserve.
The species was last recorded in the UK back in 1985.
Its reappearance marks a major success for the National Trust’s conservation work at Newtown, part of Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme, which focuses on protecting some of England’s most endangered wildlife.
A ‘Lost Species’ Returns
Entomologists Mark Telfer and Graeme Lyons made the dramatic rediscovery in a remote area of the reserve, accessible only by boat — and with just minutes to spare.
The find also marks the first time the spider has ever been photographed in the UK.
Graeme, who suggested the species’ new nickname, explained:
“We had just four hours to search before our boat came to pick us up.
"I found the first one with nine minutes to go, and the second in the final minute.
"I’ve recorded 559 species of spider in the British Isles, but this was by far the most exciting.”
Mark added:
“To find a species thought lost for 40 years is thrilling — and it shows what can happen when the right habitat management meets collaboration and curiosity.”
How Sheep Helped the Spider
The rediscovery follows years of habitat restoration at Newtown.
Once overgrown, the area has been transformed with the help of a flock of Hebridean sheep, whose grazing keeps the turf short and sunlit — the perfect conditions for the wolf spider to hunt and breed.
Paul Davies, Countryside Manager for the National Trust on the Isle of Wight, said:
“We’ve been managing this rare limestone grassland for years to encourage wildlife diversity.
"Seeing that work pay off with the return of such a rare species is incredibly rewarding.”
‘An Epic Rediscovery’
The British Arachnological Society has hailed the find as one of the most significant rediscoveries of the century.
Dr Helen Smith, the Society’s Conservation Officer, said:
“It seemed increasingly likely this species had joined the UK’s sad list of extinctions.
"Graeme’s and Mark’s enthusiasm, alongside the Trust’s habitat work, shows that the White-knuckled Wolf Spider not only survived, but may now have a future.”
Encouraging Islanders to Get Wild
The discovery coincides with the launch of the National Trust’s new “Wild Senses” campaign, fronted by wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin.
The campaign, inspired by BBC’s Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles, encourages people to get outdoors this autumn and reconnect with nature.
Rosie Hails, the National Trust’s Director of Nature and Science, said:
“Not everyone will spot something this rare, but autumn is a wonderful time for wildlife watching.
"There’s always drama in the natural world — you’ve just got to pause and notice it.”
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