Fen raft spider (AW038)
©Paul Edwards 2005
Taken at midday (my lunch break) in September 2005, in the margins of the Tennant Canal, near Jersey Marine, NGR SS7185394203. The fen raft spider is a wetland spider dependent on permanent, standing or slow moving water. It is also one of the largest spiders in Great Britain. This species was first found in Wales in 2003, and had previously only been found at two locations in the United Kingdom, both of which are in South-east England. It is classified as endangered in Great Britain and it is given full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Olympus E-20P with MCON-35 Macro Extension Lens Pro.