Summary details for Pardosa hortensis (Thorell, 1872)

Distribution

The species is widespread but locally distributed in southern Britain, with few records from Scotland. It is widespread in western and central Europe, but not recorded from Scandinavia or Ireland.

Habitat and ecology

P. hortensis occurs in open situations running over sparsely vegetated ground in grasslands, heathland, waste ground, woodland clearings, old chalk and sand pits and the sea shore. It is very erratic in occurrence on heathland. Adults of both sexes are found mainly in spring and early summer, with females persisting later.

Status

The spider is very local, but may be frequent in suitable habitat.

Threats

The loss of sites to development and the loss of open habitats to seral succession are probably the most important threats.

Management and conservation

Small scale rotational disturbance is likely to benefit this species by providing a continuity of areas of sparsely vegetated ground. Text based on Dawson, I.K., Harvey, P.R., Merrett, P. & Russell-Smith, A.R. (in prep.).