The wasp spider, known for its distinctive yellow, black and white stripes, is traditionally found in southern England but has been recorded increasingly further north in recent years

Unlike its namesake, the species cannot fly, but spiderlings can travel long distances by “ballooning” on silk strands carried by the wind.

The spider has recently been recorded in Worcestershire, alongside sightings in Herefordshire and Warwickshire, according to Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

Wendy Carter from the trust said people should not be alarmed by the spider’s size.

“I know they’re quite scary because they’re quite big, but they’re phenomenal creatures and they’re not going to do us any harm,” she said.