An extremely rare species of spider has been found in Dumbarton.
The Six-spot Comb-foot spider (Rugathodes sexpunctatus), was discovered in Havoc Meadows on Christmas Eve and again on New Year’s Day.
Recorded at only two other British locations (both in Scotland), it is closely related to the widow spiders, but at less than 3mm in body length, it is harmless to humans as it cannot pierce human skin.
The spiders were found by local ecologist Zoe Weir and her husband Iain McLaren.
Zoe said: “We were examining larger spiders and almost overlooked this small one. When we realised their importance and went looking for more, we found them all over. It’s hard to believe they are rare really.”
Zoe marked this as a “nationally important find” along with the recent discovery of the Wet Flat-backed millepede (Craspedosoma rawlinsii), which she says “further cements the site’s importance as a Site of Special Scientific Interest”.
It is hoped this will attract experts and amateur naturalists to the area.
