They call it “Nosferatu”. This spider can bite through human skin
Spiders of the species Zoropsis spinimana theoretically should not exist in Germany. However, due to global warming, the popular “Nosferatu” has already settled in almost the entire country. This is reported by the organization Naturschutzbund Deutschland.
The Zoropsis spinimana spiders, which hide from humans, have been seen in Germany at least 35,000 times since 2022. At least that’s how many official reports there have been. This is a species that was first observed across the Oder in 2005. Since then, it has managed to settle in perfectly among our neighbors.
The spider “Nosferatu” has settled in Germany
The German Nature Conservation and Biodiversity Union (NABU) reports that the spider, sometimes called “Nosferatu”, has been seen almost all over Germany. It hides in buildings, its body is about two centimetres long and its legs are between 2 and 6 cm long. It is therefore one of the largest spiders in the whole country.
As one of the few in Germany, “Nosferatu” can bite through human skin. Its venom is toxic but harmless to humans. The bite of Zoropsis spinimana is about as painful to us as a wasp bite, and it happens rarely – only in situations of direct danger. Of course, it took its terrifying name from the 1922 silent film of the same title. It is called this way because the pattern on its body resembles a vampire skull.
A warmer climate benefits the Zoropsis spinimana spiders
Recently, the species described here has been seen more and more often outdoors, in parks and gardens. Hubert Höfer from the Karlsruhe Natural History Museum emphasizes that the species’ spread is due to higher average temperatures. It likes warmth.
As ecologists emphasize, the “Nosferatu” spider is distinguished by its ability to stick to vertical glass panes. It does not weave webs, but follows its prey. When we come across one, we should not panic. It is best to take such a creature outside, without harming it in the process.