Summary details for Baryphyma pratense (Blackwall, 1861)

Distribution

The species is widespread in central England as far north as Yorkshire, but apparently absent from large areas elsewhere in the country and very scattered as far north as Angus. A European species widespread in western and central Europe as far north as Sweden (where it is included in their Red List (Gardenfors 2000)), but not recorded from Ireland.

Habitat and ecology

B. pratense is most typical of the flood plains of lowland rivers as a riparian species (Crocker & Daws 1996) but is also found in fens, ditches and marshes not clearly associated with main river systems. It is found near the base of reeds, sedges, rushes and tussocky grasses in flood meadows and in sedge marshes, wet meadows and rough grassland as well as in flood debris and on riverbanks and vegetated shingle. It has been found on riverside fences and bridges, probably through aerial dispersal. Adults have been recorded from February to September, with a male peak in late spring and early summer.

Status

Local in England, although it may be fairly frequent at some sites. Rare in Scotland and Wales. Original author of profile: J.M. Newton 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.