Large spiders which inflict a painful bite are invading the UK in suitcases and camper vans, experts believe.
The noble false widow resembles the deadly black widow and is typically found in Madeira and the Canary Islands.
But experts say the creatures may be coming to the UK on suitcases, bags and camper vans.
Professor Rainer Breitling, an academic in systems biology, told the Manchester Evening News: "We don’t have concrete evidence but that’s a suspicion.
“We think that it’s likely that these animals get about by hitching a lift on of ornamental plant trade or tourism, rather than banana imports as has been previously thought."
Scientists say the Steatoda nobilis spider, which resembles a black widow, is spreading rapidly across the globe and threatening native wildlife species.
What is a Noble False Widow spider?
The spider superficially resembles and is frequently confused for the black widow and other spiders in the genus Latrodectus, which can have medically significant venom.
Steatoda nobilis is native to Madeira and the Canary Islands from where it allegedly spread to Europe, and arrived in England before 1879, perhaps through cargo sent to Torquay.
In England it has a reputation as one of the few local spider species which is capable of inflicting a painful bite to humans, with most bites resulting in symptoms similar to a bee or wasp sting.
It has also been found in California and Chile.
Although its bite can be very painful, comparable to a severe bee or wasp sting, there are no confirmed cases of serious medical consequences from a Noble False Widow bite.
The University of Manchester lecturer said "careful monitoring of plant imports" will help research into the migration of spiders.
Professor Breitling added: “Members of the public have been contributing their observations to a large dataset of False Widow records for the British Arachnological Society’s Spider Recording Scheme.”
Researchers from The University of Manchester, German State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe and Trier University scientists published their findings in the journal NeoBiota.
In the paper, they describe how they use computer modelling to predict favourable habitats for future false widow invasions, based on present occurrence patterns.
The model successfully predicted that the species would be found in Normandy, France, which was confirmed after a field trip to the area.
Mediterranean islands, southern Australia, large parts of New Zealand and South Africa also seem to be likely targets for future expansion.
Professor Breitling said: “These are areas that are home to a wide range of vulnerable native species, so the potential introduction of Steatoda nobilis, which can overcome prey much larger than its own size, is quite worrying.”
Want more news?
To subscribe to our daily newsletter, enter your email address into the box at the top of this story.
For more Bridgwater news, like our Facebook page