Ladybird spider  (Eresus sandaliatus)

Found scattered across northern and central Europe; it is replaced by closely related species in the Mediterranean and elsewhere in Europe (including E. cinnaberinus). It is rare everywhere, especially in the UK. It used to be found on the Dorset heaths, and possibly in the Isle of Wight and Cornwall, but is now restricted to a patch of heathland in Dorset measuring about 50 metres across surrounded by a pine plantation.

The ladybird spider favours south-facing, sheltered slopes with well-drained sandy soil. It constructs a silk-lined burrow among sparse heather and lichen.