Wasp spider spotted in North West for first time, Chester Zoo says

A brightly coloured wasp spider has reached the north-west of England for the first time, conservationists have said.

The large black and yellow spider was recorded during a survey on Chester Zoo's estate, with a zoo spokesperson saying this was "the first time this fascinating mimic has reached the area".

Wasp spiders have only previously been spotted in the south of England but zoo bosses believe this arrival, who they have nicknamed Wendy, is a sign that climate change was impacting UK wildlife.

A zoo spokesperson said: "Despite their warning colours and size, wasp spiders pose no threat to humans."

Zoo conservationists said the wasp spider's discovery highlighted the need to make space for nature.

The discovery was made by Chester Zoo conservationists working with RECORD, Cheshire's local environmental records centre, and was subsequently confirmed by an expert from the British Arachnological Society, the zoo said.

Estate biodiversity assistant Rosie Cooper said: "I was looking out for plant species and then I saw this big, stripey, brightly-coloured spider.

"I have what you might call a healthy respect for spiders, so my first thought was 'woah' But now I think it's really cool to have found her."

The spider is among a number of species whose ranges are moving northwards as they respond to a changing climate, the zoo said.

Ruby Merriman, Chester Zoo's estate biodiversity manager, said: "We were really thrilled to find Wendy.

"She's a beautiful and fascinating species, and recording a wasp spider in Cheshire for the first time is really exciting."

She said wasp spiders were slowly moving north as their southern ranges in Europe were warming too quickly for them to adapt.

"Some conservation organisations refer to animals driven to migrate by climate change as 'climate refugees' – which is a good term," she added.

"They are moving because of human activity, and we need to make space for them."

Cheshire on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X . You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

Bush dog puppies emerge from their den to play

Snake undergoes 'world-first' human cancer therapy

Zoo boss calls pipeline plan on site 'unacceptable'

Five endangered African birds hatch at Chester Zoo