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Britain's 6 biggest spiders revealed by BBC Countryfile

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By Patrick Glover Trending News Reporter
From the cardinal to the fen raft spider, BBC Countryfile has come up with a list of the six biggest spiders found in the UK and where to find them. <i>(Image: Getty Images)</i>
From the cardinal to the fen raft spider, BBC Countryfile has come up with a list of the six biggest spiders found in the UK and where to find them. (Image: Getty Images)
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Britain is home to an array of different spiders, but which ones are the biggest and are you likely to find any in your house?

From the cardinal to the fen raft spider, BBC Countryfile has come up with a list of the six biggest spiders found in the UK and where to find them.

Introducing the list, the BBC experts said: "Britain is home to a surprising array of impressive spiders, some of which rival the size of a small mouse.

"These arachnids can be found in various habitats across the country, from the damp corners of gardens and ditches to the hidden crevices of our homes."

Britain's biggest spiders

Tube-web spider

The tube-web spider is said to have a The tube-web spider is said to have a 'sharp, painful' bite. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) The tub-web spider can grow up to 2.2cm in body length and is known for its "sharp, painful bite", according to BBC Countryfile.

It is a "shy species" currently found in southern England, Wales and near ports, usually on walls or fences.

Wasp spider

The wasp spider is the biggest orb-weaver in Britain.The wasp spider is the biggest orb-weaver in Britain. (Image: Getty Images) The wasp spider is easily recognisable due to its striped abdomen and legs.

It is the largest orb-weaver in Britain, with the females often growing up to 2cm (body length).

The wasp spider is commonly spotted in gardens across southern England.

Nursery-web spider

A female nursery-web spider can have a leg span of up to 5cm.A female nursery-web spider can have a leg span of up to 5cm. (Image: Getty Images) The nursery-web spider (female) can have a leg span of up to 5cm, according to BBC Countryfile.

It is commonly found in woodlands and will sometimes appear in long grass and hedges.

While this species can be found across the UK, it is rare in Scotland.

The BBC experts, explaining how the spider gets its name, added: "When their young are about to hatch, they weave nursery webs around their egg sacs for protection."

Cardinal spider

Cardinal spider can be found in and around buildings in southern England.Cardinal spiders can be found in and around buildings in southern England. (Image: Getty Images) The cardinal spider is found in and around buildings in southern England and can grow to be 2cm in body length and have legs up to 6cm.

House spider

The house spider is the largest arachnid to venture into UK homes.The house spider is the largest arachnid to venture into UK homes. (Image: Getty Images) The house spider is the largest arachnid to venture into UK homes, BBC Countryfile reports.

Females can have a leg span of up to 7.5cm (measured from tip to tip).

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Fen raft spider

The fen raft spider is Britain's biggest spider.The fen raft spider is Britain's biggest spider. (Image: Getty Images) Britain's biggest spider is the fen raft spider.

BBC Countryfile explains: "With a leg span of up to 70mm and a body length of 23mm, this giant might give you quite a surprise if it dashed across your carpet."

However, this is an "uncommon" spider and is usually found in marshy ditches, canals, and fen ponds rather than in homes.

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