Nosferatu spider sightings increase in Germany

The Nosferatu spider (Zoropsis spinimana), a species originating from Mediterranean regions, is increasingly being sighted in German homes, garages, and gardens. Experts suggest this expansion is driven by climate change, making the species a “winner of climate change.”

While the spider's venom is not considered dangerous to humans, its presence causes stress for many residents. Experts note that the spiders are most active during their mating season in autumn, particularly in October and November, when they seek shelter in basements or attics to overwinter.

To manage sightings, experts recommend using a glass and paper to relocate the spiders outdoors rather than handling them directly. Preventive measures include installing fly screens on windows and sealing small cracks in buildings to limit entry points. Dr. Arnold Staniczek of the Natural History Museum in Stuttgart notes that residents will likely need to adapt to the presence of this species alongside other changing fauna.