Exotic spiders flourishing in Britain as new jumping species found in Cornwall

Global warming and international trade offering increasingly hospitable environment

Some are small and jumpy; others are large and intimidating - if you're a humble housefly. Exotic spiders are flourishing in Britain as international trade offers ample opportunities for spider travel and global heating provides an increasingly hospitable climate.

A jumping spider new to science has been identified living on the Penryn campus in Cornwall, home to the University of Exeter and Falmouth University. The nearest known relative of the 3-4mm-long Anasaitis milesae is found in the Caribbean, making it highly likely that this tiny species - alongside 17 other non-native jumping spider species - found its way to Britain from distant climes.