Species page

Distribution

The species is widespread in much of central and eastern England, but scattered elsewhere. It is widespread in north-western and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology

The species is a frequent aeronaut that occurs in most habitats. It is characteristic of open disturbed habitats such as disturbed grasslands, agricultural fields and river shingles. It is predominantly a night active species (Alderweireldt 1994), which has a low resistance to desiccation and low temperatures (Almquist 1970; 1971). Like O. retusus, males may be less conspicuous than females. Males are probably less active than females as they are less frequently recorded in pitfall trap catches. Mating takes place chiefly in summer (Almquist 1969) sometimes later and then is followed by a main phase of aerial dispersal in August and September (Meijer 1977). Adults of both sexes have been recorded throughout the year, most often between late spring and mid-summer. Individuals can either over-winter as immatures or as eggs, depending on the time of reproduction.

Status

Fairly common and sometimes locally abundant. Original author of profile: J.R. Bell 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.