Summary details for Araniella opisthographa (Kulczynski, 1905)

Distribution

The species is widespread in much of southern England from Yorkshire southwards, but it is much more scattered in the west and north as far as central Scotland. It is more sparsely distributed in Wales, Scotland and south-west England than A. cucurbitina. It is widespread in western and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology

The spider is found in a wide variety of situations, but most commonly on trees (particularly oaks) and bushes in woodland, scrub and hedgerows, as well as on nearby low vegetation. It occurs in similar habitats to A. cucurbitina, with which it is often, but not always, found. Adults of both sexes have been recorded between May and August, with a peak in late May and June. Females have occasionally persisted as late as September.

Status

This species is common in most parts of England. Original author of profile: D. Carr Text based on Harvey, P.R., Nellist, D.R. & Telfer, M.G. (eds) 2002. Provisional atlas of British spiders (Arachnida, Araneae), Volumes 1 & 2. Huntingdon: Biological Records Centre.