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Spider filmed in Maidstone garden possibly a venomous green-fanged tube web

A spider which could be the UK’s biggest venomous tube-dwelling arachnid has been filmed living in a Kent back garden.

Nicknamed Gary, the eight-legged monster was spotted in a hole at a property in Queen’s Road, Maidstone.

Jilly Alexander discovered the green-fanged tube web spider’s home during the last spell of the warm weather.

She said: “I was sitting in the garden in the last of the day’s sun when I spotted the hole.

“I thought at first that it could be a mouse. We left it for a few days, then my partner took a torch to it, and that’s when he spotted the legs.”

Although it has not been formally identified, Jilly believes the spider is a green-fanged tube web spider.

According to the British Spiders website, the creepy crawly is restricted to southern Britain and is mainly found in coastal destinations.

The possible green-fanged tube web spider in Jilly Alexander's garden in Maidstone. Picture: Jilly Alexander
The possible green-fanged tube web spider in Jilly Alexander's garden in Maidstone. Picture: Jilly Alexander

However, it is now increasingly being found inland and appears to be becoming more common generally.

The Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre explained that the spider sits near the entrance of the tube and will dash out and bite any unfortunate creature by injecting it with venom through its fangs.

Although not fatal it can subject humans to a painful bite that has been compared to a bee sting.

The female has metallic green fangs, hence its name.

Jilly said: “As long as they’re not crawling on me then I’m ok with spiders. I’m happy that this one is just living its life and going about its business. We like knowing that we’ve got thriving wildlife in our back garden.

Jilly Alexander's garden in Maidstone. Picture: Jilly Alexander
Jilly Alexander's garden in Maidstone. Picture: Jilly Alexander

“We first saw it on Saturday, July 8, and it’s still there today.

“I’d gone to work on Sunday and my partner decided to investigate further and so set up his phone to try to film it, and with a bit of patience and teasing, he captured the video and sent it to me

“I thought it was too good not to share!”

This isn’t the first time a spider of this kind has been caught on camera.

In 2020 Mark Seager, from Canterbury, also found one – but this one was in his home.

Mr Seager quickly covered the critter with a glass and moved it to the back garden.

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