Summary details for Neon robustus Lohmander, 1945

Distribution

As a result of past confusion with Neon reticulatus, N. robustus was only recognised as part of the British fauna in 1997, but has now been recorded at several widely scattered locations from the south-east of Scotland, through Wales to the south-eastern coast of England (Snazell et al. 1999; Gallon 2000b; Dawson 2000; Marriott 2000) and is likely to turn out to be more widespread. This northern European species is otherwise known only from Ireland, Denmark, southern Sweden and Finland (Snazell et al. 1999).

Habitat and ecology

N. robustus is a thermophilous species inhabiting open patches of scree, often on sheltered south-west facing slopes (Snazell et al. 1999). At coastal sites N. robustus has been found on shingle beaches (Marriott 2000), amongst loose piles of rock (Dawson 2000) and amongst scree (Gallon 2000). In Snowdonia N. robustus frequents montane screes and has been found at altitudes between 600 and 715 m. This salticid spider is also known to inhabit stone walls in southern Sweden (Snazell et al. 1999). Records throughout this spider's European range indicate that females are mature between April and October and males during May and June (Snazell et al. 1999).

Status

The spider appears to be locally abundant within its ecological niche.

Threats

It is not thought that this species faces any immediate threats.

Management and conservation

Protect shingle and stony habitats from damage by preventing disturbance. Text based on Dawson, I.K., Harvey, P.R., Merrett, P. & Russell-Smith, A.R. (in prep.).