Watch out, Columbo's About!
Watch out, Columbo's About!
21st September, 2007
Kitchen staff at Danes Hill got more than they bargained for when they opened up a box of Columbian bananas this week – a genuine Columbian jumping spider.
Columbo – as he was quickly nicknamed by staff and pupils – had made a 6000 mile journey from Columbia via the fruit wholesalers in Bolton, but seemed none the worse for the experience. He was identified after school Science Technician Sarah-Jane Kelland contacted the Natural History Museum, London, and confirmed by Mr Andrew Halstead, Head of Entomology at Wisley. The experts say he not only jumps but is poisonous too – and is definitely a rare visitor to these shores.
Head of Science Dr Caroline Archer says: ‘He will shortly be going to a good home at London Zoo, but whilst he is with us we have taken the opportunity to discuss the importance of observations with our Gifted and Talented science club. With Columbo safely behind glass, of course!’
