The female Enoplognatha caricis (E. caricis) is a species of cobweb spider which is labelled as "extremely rare and vulnerable to extinction in both the UK and Europe" by the British Arachnological Society. The rare arachnid was discovered by spider enthusiast Shreyas Kuchibhotla next to one of the reserve's ponds, according to the WWT London website. "We regularly clear out the vegetation from the water channels, making the edges vibrant and bushy spaces for small invertebrates, like this rare species, to thrive. “Creating and protecting habitats that attract a wider range and breadth of rare species is ultimately the core of what WWT is about and why we exist. Mr Moore added that the E. caricis spotted at WWT London has been identified to be a mature female, suggesting there could be more of these rare insects using the habitat as well.

Source: The Times April 24, 2025 08:42 UTC