Rare Master of Disguise: Spider Spotted in Cornish Countryside

A rarely seen spider dubbed the "master of disguise" has been noticed creeping around. Cornwall , leaving specialists astonished. The "nationally rare" lichen running spider was seen at a temperate rainforest location, West Muchlarnick, close to Looe.

Tylan Berry, who serves as the county spider recorder for the British Arachnological Society, commented that this "remarkably attractive" organism, boasting an "astonishing coloration and camouflage," is exceptionally hard to notice. The large spider This species is renowned for its capacity to blend into its surroundings while waiting for prey. Their leg hairs extend laterally, allowing them to mimic the rough bark of trees with a feather-like effect.

According to Mr. Berry, the spider has only been seen a few times, with additional sightings recorded at Lanhydrock, Cabilla, and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve known as Redrice.

He informed the BBC: "The spiders enjoy perching on branches coated with lichen while waiting for their prey, excellently hidden from sight."

I found it incredibly thrilling when I received information about a potential sighting at Lanhydrock around four or five years back, but it then took me an additional two years to come across another one.

Only those who possess perfection will be able to discern the expertly camouflaged spider in certain images.

As the scientific name Philodromus Margaritatus suggests, this species of spider flourishes in environments where old-growth trees abound—especially oak, hawthorn, and pine—which often have an abundance of lichen covering them.

These are typically found in open spaces like heaths, parklands, and along the edges of woodlands, he mentioned.

The "near-threatened species" can be found in "isolated areas" ranging from Cornwall to Surrey in southern Britain, as well as within the Caledonian pine forests in Scotland.

He said: "There is no evidence of the spider living anywhere between these two hugely separated areas"

The specialist emphasized that the preservation of old trees, known as lichens, was "crucial."

Alison Smith, who manages the temperate rainforest project at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, stated: "This nearly threatened species, being an adept hider, is seldom spotted, with just a handful of sightings recorded in the county."

Its existence underscores the significance of this habitat.

She commented about the spider found during a lichen survey, saying: "This species is nearly threatened, highlighting just how crucial the habitat at West Muchlarnick is."