The rare species of ladybird spider, scientifically Eresus walckenaeri, made his appearance on the island of Gavdos. It should be noted that it is the same (unique) species that Crete also has.

These spiders by the next month, however, will be “gone” as the males will have died and the females will be taking care of their babies and they too will die. She is peaceful and harmless.

Eresus walckenaeri, commonly known as Ladybird Spider, is considered quite rare. In fact, it is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species as “endangered species”.

The species is found mainly on the island of Crete and its population accepts pressures due to habitat loss from agricultural activities, tourism development and climate change.

Efforts are being made to preserve this beautiful and unique species. As with all wild animals, its survival depends on the preservation and protection of its natural habitats.

Eresus walckenaeri belongs to the genus of Eresus spiders, commonly known as ladybird spiders because of its bright coloring of males, which resembles ladybird beetles.

Spiders of the genus Eresus are usually found in sandy or rocky environments. They create silk-lined burrows in the ground, where they spend most of their time and come out mainly to hunt.

It should be noted that the species has been photographed in Chania, while in Lamia, Kefalonia, but also in the Paleokastro of Thessaloniki, the similar rare species of Eresus Cinnaberinus has been detected.