Species Details
- Species name
- Haplodrassus dalmatensis (L. Koch, 1866)
- Common name
- Heath Grasper
- Synonyms
- Haplodrassus delinquens, Haplodrassus minisculus, Drassodes dalmatensis (L. Koch, 1866)
- Taxonomy
- Animalia :: Araneae :: Gnaphosidae
- short sward & bare ground
Distribution
The species is almost confined to southern heathlands and east coast dunes. It has also been found in Anglesey, and there are old records from Staffordshire (doubtful?) and Norfolk. It is widespread in western and central Europe as far north as Sweden, but is not recorded from Ireland.Habitat and ecology
The spider occurs mainly on dry heathland at ground level among heather and under stones, but also sometimes on stable sand dunes or shingle on the coast. It appears on burnt heathland during the first year after fire, but reaches maximum densities between about 6 to 12 years after fire, then declines. Adult males are found between March and July, with a peak of activity in May and June, females from April to late August, with a peak of activity in June.Status
UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. Although found to be widespread on heathland in Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey between 1965 and 1977, the species appears to have suffered a major decline, with nearly all modern records being coastal. There is a need for re-survey of southern heathland sites.Threats
Threats include the loss of heathland to agriculture, afforestation and development and possibly public pressure on a few of its coastal sites.Management and conservation
The spider is able to survive in all ages of heather except possibly in very old heather. Ensure regular management of heathland by grazing, rotational cutting or burning, to provide a range of different ages of heather. Text based on Dawson, I.K., Harvey, P.R., Merrett, P. & Russell-Smith, A.R. (in prep.).Stats
- First recorded
- 1944
- Last recorded
- 2024
- Total records
- 267
- Total visits
- 260
Conservation status
Haplodrassus dalmatensis
| Source | Reporting category | Designation | Date designated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Review of the scarce and threatened spiders (Araneae) of Great Britain: Species Status No. 22 (Sep 2017) | Red data categories - spiders (not based on IUCN criteria) | Spider Amber List | 01/09/2017 | |
| A Review of the scarce and threatened spiders (Araneae) of Great Britain: Species Status No. 22 (Sep 2017) | Red listing based on 2001 IUCN guidelines | Least concern | 01/09/2017 | The apparent rate of decline is almost certainly enhanced by under-recording of southern heathlands in recent years. It is considered likely to persist on sufficient sites not to be regarded as threatened. Discovered at Morden Bog, Dorset, in 2015. Threats: Threats include the loss of heathland to agriculture, afforestation and development and possibly public pressure on a few of its coastal sites. |
| A Review of the scarce and threatened spiders (Araneae) of Great Britain: Species Status No. 22 (Sep 2017) | Rare and scarce species | Nationally Scarce. Includes Red Listed taxa | 01/09/2017 | Threats: Threats include the loss of heathland to agriculture, afforestation and development and possibly public pressure on a few of its coastal sites. |
| Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 - Species of Principal Importance in England (section 41) | Biodiversity Lists - England | England NERC S.41 | 01/11/2008 | |
| Environment (Wales) Act 2016 - Species of Principal Importance in Wales (section 7) | Biodiversity Lists - Wales | Env (Wales) Act S7 | 21/05/2016 | |
| UK list of Priority Habitats and Species | Biodiversity Action Plan UK list of priority species | Priority Species | 28/08/2007 | not on former UK BAP list |
Photos and media
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Spatial distribution - hectad map
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Temporal distribution - records by year
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Temporal distribution - records by week
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