The Fen Raft spider, one of the UK’s largest spider breeds that can grow to the size of rats, is making a comeback in Britain.

In 2010, they hit near-extinction as only a handful remained due to their homes being destroyed by humans.

Thanks to conservation efforts, these spiders are making a return. 

The spiders are set to have their best year on record in 2024 at nature reserves run by conservation charity RSBP.

According to the charity, the total number of female spiders is expected to be up to 3,750 across 12 sites in Norfolk and Suffolk Broads alone.

These huge spiders can spin a web as large as 25cm and can grow to the size of a man’s hand.

Wildlife experts are pleased to see the species make a return after being named as one of the UK’s rarest invertebrates.

The Fen Raft spider has a brown or black body with white or cream stripes along the sides as well as a span of up to almost 8 centimetres.

These spiders are often found in fens, marshes and wetlands.

They are semi-aquatic and can run across the water’s surface to capture their prey. They are most likely to be seen between June and September. 

Due to the species being one of the rarest in the UK, it is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in England and Wales and under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. 

While their size may intimidate, they aren’t normally dangerous to humans, unless an allergic reaction to their poison happens.