Summary details for Caviphantes saxetorum (Hull, 1916)

Species Details

Species name
Caviphantes saxetorum (Hull, 1916)
Synonym
Lessertiella saxetorum (Hull, 1916)
Taxonomy
Animalia :: Araneae :: Linyphiidae
habitat
running water

Distribution

The species has been recorded from Wales, scattered localities in Scotland, the River Lune in Lancashire, and from Haltwhistle and the confluence of the rivers East and West Allen in Northumberland. It may be fairly widespread on upland rivers with sand and shingle bars.

Habitat and ecology

Upland rivers. C. saxetorum occurs under stones and boulders on sandy banks of rivers. There is some evidence that it may live in cavities under deeply embedded boulders in winter, and under smaller stones in drier surroundings in summer. Adults of both sexes have been found in March, June and September, a female also in July. It may be adult throughout the year.

Status

Recorded from six hectads since 1992, though showing a decline of two thirds in hectads with spider records both before and after that date (12 to four). Despite the unusual habitat, the paucity of recent records suggests a significant decline.

Threats

None currently known although the 'tidying up' of river banks might represent a potential threat.

Management and conservation

Ensure that riverine shingle sites are protected from unnecessary disturbance, and that natural braiding and flooding is allowed on suitable rivers. Text based on Dawson, I.K., Harvey, P.R., Merrett, P. & Russell-Smith, A.R. (in prep.).

Stats

First recorded
1900
Last recorded
2023
Total records
63
Total visits
61

Conservation status

Caviphantes saxetorum
SourceReporting categoryDesignationDate designatedComments
A Review of the scarce and threatened spiders (Araneae) of Great Britain: Species Status No. 22 (Sep 2017)Rare and scarce speciesNationally Rare. Includes Red Listed taxa01/09/2017
A Review of the scarce and threatened spiders (Araneae) of Great Britain: Species Status No. 22 (Sep 2017)Red listing based on 2001 IUCN guidelinesNear Threatened01/09/2017True level of decline uncertain, with little recent survey of its river bank sand and shingle habitats stones at former sites in Wales; requires further survey. Threats: None currently known although the 'tidying up' of river banks might represent a potential threat.

Photos and media

Spatial distribution - hectad map

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Rejected records are excluded from this map. Unverified records are included.

Temporal distribution - records by year

Records that span more than one year are not included in this chart.

Temporal distribution - records by week