Nosferatu spider sightings increase in Germany

The Nosferatu spider (Zoropsis spinimana), a hunting spider originating from the Mediterranean, is increasingly being found in German homes, garages, and terraces. Experts suggest its spread is linked to climate change, describing the species as a “winner of climate change.”

While the spider’s size and appearance—characterized by a yellowish-brown body and a pattern resembling a skull—can cause alarm, experts emphasize that it is not dangerous to humans. Bites are rare and typically only occur if the spider feels threatened, with the sensation compared to a mild wasp sting.

During the autumn mating season, particularly in October and November, sightings often increase as the spiders seek shelter in basements or attics to overwinter. Experts recommend catching the spiders with a glass and releasing them outside rather than panicking.