Orford Ness Survey Reveals 55 Spider Species, Including Rare Discoveries

A recent study at a nature reserve has documented 55 distinct arthropod species, among them several rare spiders. The British Arachnological Society, a charitable organization dedicated to spiders and their relatives, carried out this investigation at Orford Ness, situated near Orford in Suffolk. Of the 55 spider species identified, 12 are considered nationally rare or scarce at this National Trust property. Notably, the Neon pictus species, previously observed in only six other British locations, was discovered at Orford Ness for the first time. Matt Wilson of the National Trust expressed satisfaction with this finding. “It’s great to have identified a new species of spider on Orford Ness, along with confirming that the other rare species last recorded in the early 2000’s can still be found here,” stated Mr. Wilson, who serves as the countryside manager for the Suffolk and Essex coast. He further commented, “Whilst the photographs we have may make them look fierce, many are so small that they were unlikely to have been found by non-experts and their equipment.” The Neon pictus species characteristically inhabits shingle environments, with females typically reaching a length of approximately 3mm. The research at the site involved two separate visits, during which five nationally rare and seven nationally scarce spider species were documented. Among the discoveries was a rare Gnaphosa lugubris spider; based on population counts, specialists estimate that Orford Ness might host thousands of these spiders. Ben McCarthy, the National Trust’s head of nature conservation and restoration ecology, characterized the survey’s findings as “brilliant to see.” He elaborated, “Unlike most of our sites, Orford Ness has a relatively short history of biological recording, as it was largely closed to the public until the 1990s when the National Trust acquired it.” McCarthy further stated, “Since then, its importance keeps on growing, and especially for its fantastic invertebrate fauna, including these wonderful spiders. “It’s great to see that the careful management of the site’s habitats – from shingle to saltmarsh to grasslands to wetlands – support so many of these often maligned but important species.” Orford Ness holds the distinction of being Europe’s largest shingle spit. Its landscape comprises fragile shingle ridges and valleys, alongside reed marshes, mud flats, and brackish lagoons.