Summary details for Agyneta cauta (O.P.-Cambridge, 1902)

Distribution

The species is widespread on southern heathlands, in Wales, northern England and Scotland, but absent or very scattered elsewhere. It is a European species, widespread in most of north-western and central Europe, but apparently not recorded from France.

Habitat and ecology

A. cauta is generally found in litter, detritus and sometimes in moss in damp sites. Crocker & Daws (1996) record the capture, in Leicestershire in July, of both sexes in a pitfall trap set in bracken/heather heathland, and of a male on the same occasion in a trap set in open, rocky, exposed Nardus grass heath on a summit ridge at 900' (270 m). It has been recorded from a small Sphagnum bog in Essex and occurred commonly in blanket bog in Scotland, together with A. olivacea. Adults of both sexes have mainly been recorded from early to mid-summer, with females occasionally persisting until the autumn.

Status

Although recorded from a total of 207 hectads, the spider has only been found in 52 hectads since 1992. This huge apparent decline may be explained by many older records from the north and west referring to A. olivacea, and by relatively poor recent recording in Welsh wetlands, the Pennines and southern heathland, three key areas for A. cauta. Nevertheless, the species should be monitored.

Threats

Drainage of wet areas in heathland, moorland and bogs represents a potential threat to this species.

Management and conservation

Ensure the maintenance of a high water table in those habitats where it occurs. Text based on Dawson, I.K., Harvey, P.R., Merrett, P. & Russell-Smith, A.R. (in prep.).