Summary details for Ostearius melanopygius

Ostearius melanopygius (O. P.-Cambridge, 1879) Status: The spider's association with rubbish-tips and refuse, and the knowledge that it occurred in Madeira and the Azores, led Bristowe (1939) to suggest that it had been imported from the Atlantic islands. Importation from New Zealand has also been suggested (Locket & Millidge 1953), but it is more likely to have been exported from Britain to New Zealand (P. Merrett, pers. comm.). Adults are found from spring through to autumn. Distribution: The species is widespread in much of England, but very scattered elsewhere. It is cosmopolitan and widespread in Europe as far north as Sweden in Scandinavia. Habitat and ecology: O. melanopygius occurs in a very wide range of habitats, particularly rubbish heaps and gardens, and occasionally occurring indoors. It is a frequent aeronaut. Adults of both sexes are found throughout the year, with most recorded in summer and autumn or early winter. Author of profile: D.R. Nellist 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.