Summary details for Agroeca lusatica (L. Koch, 1875)

Distribution

The species has been recorded in Britain from Sandwich Dunes and Greatstone, both in East Kent. The spider was first found at Sandwich in 1938 and subsequently on a number of occasions at this site so appears to be well-established there, while a new site at Greatstone was discovered in 2005 where it occurred in some numbers. It is fairly widespread in western and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology

Sand dunes. An adult male has been found in September, and females in May and September.

Status

The species is recorded from two sites, where it appears to be well established but is always at risk from leisure use of its dune habitat, the construction of coastal defences and other infrastructure development.

Threats

The habitat may be threatened by erosion and disturbance of the dunes through intense public use. The Sandwich dune system now has three golf courses, and their associated buildings, roads, drains and fairways have caused loss of natural dune habitat. The dunes form the sea defence for their strip of coast, and some low points have been artificially built up to reduce the risk of flooding, and this has also caused disturbance to the habitat. Sea level rise may pose a threat in the future.

Management and conservation

Ensure that no further recreational developments occur on the dune systems at Sandwich. It is also critically important to ensure that coastal defence works elsewhere on the south Kent coast do not interfere with the supply of sand to either of the occupied dune systems. Text based on Dawson, I.K., Harvey, P.R., Merrett, P. & Russell-Smith, A.R. (in prep.).