Previously found in the Mediterranean region, rising temperatures have drawn the ‘Nosferatu’ further north. First sighted in Germany in 2005, the spider has gained a firm foothold in the country with over 35,000 sightings reported.

Now, scientists have warned that not only is its spread eastwards inevitable, but that it has already arrived in Poland.

Speaking to Gazeta Wyborcza, biologist Dominik Szymanski said: “This species has been previously recorded in Poland: one was found in Bielsko-Biała in a DIY store where it was discovered in a transport of plants in March 2023. This year, we’ve had other reports of its presence in Poland.”

Scientifically known as the Zoropsis spinimana, the spider is commonly called the Nosferatu on account of the pattern on its abdomen. “According to some, this resembles the face of the vampire from the film Nosferatu,” says Szymanski.

Drawn towards buildings due to the warmth they offer, and regarded as one of Europe’s largest spiders, the Nosferatu’s abdomen is capable of reaching two centimeters in length, and its legs over three centimeters.

Also notable for its hairy speckled legs, the creature does not spin webs, but instead actively pursues its prey. Furthermore, it is also one of the few spiders that can bite through human skin.

However, while lurid stories about the Nosferatu have dominated the press, scientists have emphasized that the spider has never caused any serious medical problems as it “only” packs a bite similar to that of a light bee sting.