The following images are taken of an Ambylypygid, Whip Spider found at the end of August 2003 in an out-building under some stacked timber in Brighton, Sussex, England .

Obviously this is the wrong country for such an animal to be found! The people who found it had not been abroad, had lived in the property for 10 years and had not purchased any exotic timber or other products in which it might have been introduced. They have been asked to keep an eye open for any more!

It appears Damon species, possible D. diadema or D. variagatus

Following further closer examination and advice and comments from Peter Weygoldt, the world authority on Amblypygi, it would appear to be D. variagatus. This species, or rather species group, from Africa is the one that is used in the exotic pet trade.

See bugzuk.com in England.
In the USA tarantulas.com
and centralpets.com
and petbugs.com

It would therefore seem likely that this is an escapee - but no one has owned up to losing one yet!

To view images of the whip spider:

View 1

View 3

View 4

Contact details below: