Summary details for Euryopis flavomaculata (C.L. Koch, 1836)

Distribution

The spider is widespread but patchily distributed in Britain. It is widespread in northern and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology

Heathland and moorland, open woodland. This species does not produce a web but searches for ants that are then immobilised with strands of sticky silk before the spider begins feeding. It is found most often amongst moss in wet habitats and in damp hollows on heathland but has also been recorded from pitfall traps in open woodland. Both sexes are mature in summer with a peak in July.

Status

The species is assumed to be under-recorded, especially on lowland heathland and in Yorkshire, as both are known to be poorly covered recently. Nevertheless, a watching brief should be kept on this species.

Threats

Loss of heathland to agriculture and urban development is a potential threat as is scrub development on heathland.

Management and conservation

protect heathland from urban and agricultural development. Manage heathland habitat to ensure scrub encroachment is controlled. Text based on Dawson, I.K., Harvey, P.R., Merrett, P. & Russell-Smith, A.R. (in prep.).