Saving the small things that run the planetLatin name: Thallumetus ascensionensis
Notable feature: One of if not the smallest spiders on Ascension Island, adults are so small that most juveniles of other spiders on the island are larger!
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated
Where in the UK: Ascension Island
The Ascension Mesh-Web Spider (Thallumetus ascensionensis) was only recently described, it was possibly introduced, but studies are ongoing. They are a very small, brown spider with beige markings. The carapace is covered in woolly hairs (pubescence). The males have a highly modified palp which includes lots of parts that stick out and make intricate structures used for mating.
There is still much to learn about Ascension Mesh-Web Spider and the other invertebrates that can be found or are still to be discovered in UK Overseas Territories. Our Supporting Atlantic Territories Invertebrate Conservation project will look to support and strengthen invertebrate conservation in these regions.
Buglife is working to increase awareness of invertebrates and the Ascension Mesh-Web Spider through specific projects like Supporting Atlantic Territories Invertebrate Conservation. Visit the project page for more information!
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