Summary details for Haplodrassus signifer (C.L. Koch, 1839)

Distribution

The species is widespread throughout most of Britain and, indeed, throughout the entire Holarctic region.

Habitat and ecology

H. signifer is commonest on heathlands and grasslands. On sandy heaths it occupies much the same habitats as D. cupreus, and is often found under scattered stones, discarded rubbish and in grassy tussocks. At first glance, the spider suggests that it might be a Drassodes species. In fact, for many years, H. signifer was known in Britain as Drassodes signifer. It gives the general impression of a plump, uniformly coloured spider, whose colour can vary from brown to almost blackish brown. Adults occur between April and September, with the peak between early to mid-summer.

Status

Local. Original author of profile: J.A. Murphy Text based on Harvey, P.R., Nellist, D.R. & Telfer, M.G. (eds) 2002. Provisional atlas of British spiders (Arachnida, Araneae), Volumes 1 & 2. Huntingdon: Biological Records Centre.