A spider, recognised for its distinctive green fangs, has been spotted in the county.

The green-fanged tube web spider, also known as the Segestria Florentina, has a bite that some have compared to a deep injection.

The spider is attracted to hot and dry climates and is found mainly in areas across the south of England.

Matthew Sutherland came across the creature while he was working at the Kent Dark Chocolate Company in Bowles Well Gardens in Folkestone yesterday afternoon.

The 34-year-old said: "I have never seen such an interesting looking spider before and I thought it looked amazing, although I wouldn’t want any contact with it.

"We were advised that it is a harmless spider as long as it isn't threatened or provoked.

"Spiders do a vital job keeping insects pests down and shouldn’t be harmed."

After capturing photographs of the spider, Matthew and his work colleague Theresa O’Connor watched the spider crawl back into a hole in a nearby wall.

According to nature expert, Owen Leyshon, these spiders are common in Kent.

"These spiders are dotted around the county and with hotter summers and warmer winters, they may potentially be increasing in range.

"They have amazing green fangs on them, which make it a distinctive spider."

Mr Leyshon, who works for the Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership added: "The spiders live in gaps of very old and dry traditional brick walls.

"They do have a bite but only when they feel threatened.

"I wouldn't say the bite is that painful, however certain people will react differently to pain so it depends on the person."