Eresus sandaliatus (also recorded in the past as Eresus niger and Eresus cinnaberinus) is without doubt the most sought-after spider in the UK. It is Nationally Endangered (RDB1) and is only known for certain from an isolated fragment of Dorset heathland where it was re-discovered in 1979. The male is an extremely attractive animal, unmistakably marked with red, black and white which has led to its nickname of the 'ladybird spider'.
     Although never recorded for certain from Cornwall, there is an unconfirmed sighting made in 1932 from Kynance Cove reported by W.S. Bristowe in his book The World of Spiders (1958) in the Collins New Naturalist series (shown as a yellow dot on the map). Many arachnologists have searched for the species over the years but to no avail. There is considerable doubt as to the veracity of the 'record'. However, there are localities where suitable habitat occurs on the Cornish coast (south-facing dry heathland) and it is possible that an undiscovered population of Eresus exists somewhere in the county.
     Perhaps now that the Chough has returned to Kynance Cove, the ladybird spider will be discovered in Cornwall too?

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