Wasp spiders spread across West Midlands as sightings increase

A striking spider with a name which sounds more frightening than it is has been spotted at sites across Worcestershire.

Wasp spiders have been recorded at several locations in the south-east of the county, with sightings also reported in west Worcestershire.

The large spiders were first spotted in Worcestershire in 2025, and the number of records is now starting to grow.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is asking residents to keep their eyes peeled and report any sightings.

The spiders are one of the UK's largest species and can be recognised by their bold yellow, black and white markings, which give them their wasp-like appearance.

The Wildlife Trust said: "Wasp spiders have arrived in Worcestershire.

"They've been spotted at a few sites in the southeast of the county and they've even been spotted in a garden in west Worcestershire. Where will they turn up next?"

Anyone who spots one is being asked to take a photograph and report it to Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

The records will help the trust track how the species is spreading across the county and add new locations to its wasp spider map.

The trust said: "They were first spotted in Worcestershire in 2025 and we're starting to get more records in across the county.

"We'd encourage anyone who spots one in Worcestershire to take a photo and let us know where they've seen it via our website so we can track its arrival in the county."

Despite their alarming appearance, wasp spiders are not considered dangerous to people.

The latest sightings offer wildlife lovers a chance to spot one of the county's more unusual residents as the species continues to spread.

So, where will Worcestershire's wasp spiders turn up next?