Invasion on the Baltic Sea: Nosferatu spider conquers Rügen and Usedom | News

The Nosferatu spider has now also reached the Baltic Sea islands of Rügen and Usedom. The species from the Mediterranean region has been conquering Germany since 2005 – it is now native to almost everywhere. Reports are also increasing in northern Germany.

According to the German Nature Conservation Association (Nabu), this was the case Tier In recent years, it has also been reported sporadically in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on the portal of Nabu’s partner Nabu/naturgucker. Alexander Wirth from Nabu/naturgucker: “This makes it increasingly likely that the spider will establish itself there.” His guess: “It may already be at home in the last federal state that has not yet been settled.”

More and more reports from Schleswig-Holstein

In Schleswig-Holstein Sightings have been increasing for some time. So she settled in Lübeck. Wirth: “The Nosferatu spider is being reported more and more frequently from northern Germany.” The colder temperatures don’t seem to bother her.

In winter they seek shelter in heated buildings and apartments “where it is more comfortable for them,” explained Wirth. Hubert Höfer, scientist at the Karlsruhe Natural History Museum, advises staying calm in the event of a sighting in your own four walls. The best thing to do is to use them and put them outside.

Bite feels like a wasp sting

The Nosferatu spider (Zoropsis spinimana) is one of the largest spiders in Germany. Males grow to 13 millimeters, females up to 19 millimeters, with their legs extended five centimeters! Because of the adhesive hairs on its feet, the Mediterranean spider can also climb on smooth surfaces such as glass.

The Nosferatu spider is one of the few spiders whose bite can penetrate human skin. Their venom is not dangerous to humans; the symptoms of a bite are said to be similar to those of a wasp sting. The spider only bites when directly threatened.