Summary details for Drepanotylus uncatus (O.P.-Cambridge, 1873)

Distribution

D. uncatus is widespread in Wales and northern England, and scattered in Scotland, but with very few recent records from southern England, and absent from much of central and south-eastern England. A Palaearctic species widespread in north-western and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology

D. uncatus is usually found in wet habitats such as marshes and bogs. It is adult in autumn, winter and spring.

Status

Recorded from 73 hectads since 1992, and showing an apparent decline of over 60% in hectads with spider records both before and after that date (159 to 61). However, there is known under-recording in recent years of wet habitats in the north and west, and most southern England records are from bogs on heathland, which have also been under-recorded in recent years, hence we prefer a Watching Brief.

Threats

The main threat to this species is from drainage of wetlands for agriculture and forestry.

Management and conservation

Protect wetlands from development and ensure wetland water tables are maintained. Text based on Dawson, I.K., Harvey, P.R., Merrett, P. & Russell-Smith, A.R. (in prep.).