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Spiders invade Europe
15/11/2007 22:43 - (SA)
Geneva - More than 80 species of spiders have taken up residence in Europe over the past 150 years and the number of new arrivals is due to accelerate due to global trade, a study showed on Thursday.
Bern University zoology Professor Wolfgang Nentwig, who co-authored the study, said: "We envisage the arrival of at least one new species a year in Europe in the near future."
The study found that one new species of spider was arriving every two years, with 87 over the past 150 years.
Rising temperatures mean Europe is also becoming suitable for tropical species, meaning some of the newcomers could be dangerous, he said.
No poisonous spiders are currently found in Europe.
- SAPA
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