Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

One of Europe's largest venomous spiders spotted in UK

The discovery has sparked both curiosity and concern.

largest venomous spiders

Macrothele Calpeiana

University of Granada

In a surprising discovery, one of Europe’s largest venomous spiders, Macrothele calpeiana, has been found in the UK. The spider, which is native to southern Spain, was spotted in a West Sussex nursery after being transported to the country in a shipment of olive trees. Known for its striking size and long legs, this funnel-web spider is a rare sight in the UK, prompting both intrigue and concern among locals.

The spider was first seen by a forklift driver at the nursery, who noticed the large arachnid moving through the yard. Specialists later identified it as Macrothele calpeiana, one of the largest spiders found in Europe. Its bite, although venomous, is not known to be fatal to humans. Experts have reassured the public that while the spider’s venom can cause painful symptoms such as swelling and irritation, it poses no serious threat.


The Macrothele calpeiana spider typically resides in southern Europe and builds funnel-shaped webs in the ground to trap its prey. Though it is primarily an insect-eating species, it is known for its large fangs, which allow it to deliver venomous bites when threatened. Encounters with humans are rare, as the spider tends to avoid human activity.

This discovery is the latest in a series of notable spider sightings in the UK. Previously, there were reports of the noble false widow spider (Steatoda nobilis), another venomous species that has established a presence in the country. While its bite can also cause discomfort, it is not considered dangerous to humans.

Though the UK is home to more than 650 spider species, venomous spiders are rarely a cause for concern. Experts advise the public to stay calm, as these spiders are unlikely to pose significant risks to human health. Authorities are monitoring the situation to ensure the spider does not become an invasive species.

More For You

West Midlands Police

West Midlands Police said they were called just before 08:30 BST on Tuesday, September 9, after the woman reported being attacked by two men near Tame Road. (Representational image: iStock)

Woman raped in racially aggravated attack in Oldbury

A WOMAN in her 20s was raped in Oldbury in what police are treating as a racially aggravated attack.

West Midlands Police said they were called just before 08:30 BST on Tuesday, September 9, after the woman reported being attacked by two men near Tame Road. Officers said the men made a racist remark during the incident.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tommy Robinson

The event, which Robinson has promoted for months, is being billed by him as the 'UK's biggest free speech festival.' (Photo: Getty Images)

London prepares for rival demonstrations, police deploy 1,600 officers

Highlights

  • More than 1,600 officers deployed across London on Saturday
  • Far-right activist Tommy Robinson to lead "Unite the Kingdom" march
  • Anti-racism groups to stage counter-protests in Whitehall
  • Police impose conditions on routes and timings of demonstrations

LONDON police will deploy more than 1,600 officers across the city on Saturday as rival demonstrations take place, including a rally organised by far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, and a counter-protest by anti-racism campaigners.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mandelson-Getty

Starmer dismissed Mandelson on Thursday after reading emails published by Bloomberg in which Mandelson defended Jeffrey Epstein following his 2008 conviction. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Minister says Mandelson should never have been appointed

A CABINET minister has said Peter Mandelson should not have been made UK ambassador to the US, as criticism mounted over prime minister Keir Starmer’s judgment in appointing him.

Douglas Alexander, the Scotland secretary, told the BBC that Mandelson’s appointment was seen as “high-risk, high-reward” but that newly revealed emails changed the situation.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK weather alert 80mph winds

Winds could reach 70–80mph in the most exposed coastal areas

iStock

Met Office issues weekend alert as UK braces for 80mph winds

Highlights:

  • Met Office issues yellow warning from 8pm Sunday to 6pm Monday
  • Winds could reach 70–80mph in the most exposed coastal areas
  • Travel disruption and risk of falling debris expected
  • Residents urged to secure outdoor items ahead of stormy conditions

Strong winds expected across southern and western UK

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning ahead of the weekend, with winds of up to 80mph forecast to affect large parts of the UK. The alert will be in place from 8pm on Sunday until 6pm on Monday.

The warning covers much of west and southwest England and Wales, along with the entire southern coast of England. It also extends up the west coast towards Manchester. Gusts of 60mph are likely inland, rising to 70–80mph in exposed coastal areas and hilltops.

Keep ReadingShow less
Prince Harry meets King after 20 months to heal rift

Prince Harry visits the Centre for Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College London, in London, Britain, September 10, 2025. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett

Prince Harry meets King after 20 months to heal rift

PRINCE HARRY had tea with King Charles on Wednesday (10) at their first meeting in 20 months, in what may prove a first step toward ending a much-publicised rift between father and son.

Harry, the Duke of Sussex, last saw his father in February 2024, shortly after it was announced that the king was undergoing treatment for an unspecified form of cancer.

Keep ReadingShow less