Halle/DUR. She is tall, hairy and has strong legs: The Nosferatu-Spinne has now been spotted everywhere in Germany. But when and where did it last appear in Saxony-Anhalt and is it dangerous?
The answer: There are no official recent observations of these animals. The state office for environmental protection said the curl hunting spider, named after a silent film classic, was last detected in Halle in 2018.
It is very likely that the animal or a clutch of eggs was abducted at that time. Garden soil could be used for this, among other things, it was said. There has been no further evidence in the past four years.
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It looks different on this one Nabu “Nature Viewer” portal out of. On the site, nature lovers can find alleged sightings of the Nosferatu-Spinne report. According to the site, the insect has recently been discovered in large parts of the country, such as Magdeburg, Zerbst, Aschersleben, Dessau-Roßlau, Thale, Eisleben, Halle and Weißenfels.
Also read: Be careful, poisonous – these 5 dangerous animal species live in Saxony-Anhalt
Nosferatu spider: First spotted in Germany in 2005
The spider, which is up to seven centimeters tall and has a lot of hair, was discovered for the first time in Germany with the Latin name “Zoropsis spinimana” in Freiburg im Breisgau in 2005. It originally comes from the Mediterranean region.
How dangerous is the Nosferatu spider?
The poison of Zoropsis spinimana is harmful to humans, according to one Message from Nabu not dangerous. Their bite is described as being about as painful as a light wasp sting. In addition, she only bites when she is irritated. So only insects and other spiders need to be careful of Zoropsis spinimana. But: The Nosferatu spider is one of the few spiders whose bite can penetrate human skin.
Where can the Nosferatu spider be found in Germany?
The spider is now widespread in almost all of Germany. According to a study from 2022, it was only rarely found in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
How big is the Nosferatu spider?
According to the Nature Conservation Association of Germany (Nabu), the spider reaches a body length of up to two centimeters and a leg span of around five centimeters.
Do you have to report the Nosferatu spider?
Reporting a sighting of a Nosferatu spider is not mandatory in Germany. But you can observe the Nature watcher report to Nabu.
What to do if you discover a Nosferatu spider in your apartment?
If you discover a Nosferatu spider in your apartment or house, it shouldn’t worry anyone. The Nabu advises not to kill the animal under any circumstances, but simply to capture it using a large container and then release it into the open. Since the spider can bite, you should not use your bare hands.
Adults and spiderlings are found in Germany all year round. They spend the winter in buildings such as houses or garages. They feed on flies, butterflies and other spiders, which can sometimes be larger than themselves.