A rare spider species, Enoplognatha caricis, has been seen for the first time in London at London Wetland Centre WWT. It is only the fourth British sighting in 30 years. The discovery highlights the importance of wetland habitat management in supporting vulnerable species and suggests a possible breeding population at the site.

A rare and elusive spider has been recorded for the first time in London, marking only the fourth confirmed sighting in Britain in the past three decades.

Enoplognatha caricis, a species of cobweb spider considered extremely rare and vulnerable to extinction in both Britain and Europe, was discovered at London Wetland Centre WWT in April 2025.

The mature female was found by regular visitor and spider enthusiast Shreyas Kuchibhotla while examining moss near a pond in the site’s Wildside area.

Enoplognatha caricis typically inhabits wet, marshy environments and is listed as Vulnerable across Britain and Europe by the British Arachnological Society.