Summary details for Centromerus persimilis (O.P.-Cambridge, 1912)

Distribution

The first report of this species in Britain was from the bank of the River West Allen below Whitfield, at the junction with the River East Allen, South Northumberland, in 1916. However, this often-quoted record may have been a misidentification, and ideally the specimens should be re-examined if they still exist. The only definite British record of this species was from Malham Cove, Mid-west Yorkshire, in 1961. A second record from Mid-west Yorkshire, from Pen-y-Ghent, is now known to be false, referring to a misidentified specimen of Maro lepidus. Elsewhere in Europe, C. persimilis is known from Ireland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Habitat and ecology

Two females attributed to this species were found under stones by the River West Allen in July. At Malham, a single male was found in a crevice of limestone pavement in September. The sites of the records and the small size and pale colour of this species suggest that it may live in a subterranean habitat, which would account for only stray individuals being found.

Status

The spider has been found only rarely and there are no UK records since that at Malham in 1961, where further searching has failed to locate more specimens. Area of occupancy appears to be at best severely fragmented and decline in number of known locations is apparently 100%.

Threats

There is insufficient information on this species to determine what threats it faces in the U.K.

Management and conservation

No recommendations at present. Text based on Dawson, I.K., Harvey, P.R., Merrett, P. & Russell-Smith, A.R. (in prep.).