Summary details for Scotinotylus evansi (O.P.-Cambridge, 1894)

Distribution

S. evansi is widespread in the hillier districts of northern England and Scotland. The species is found from Greenland to the former USSR (Platnick 1998), and in north-western and central Europe has been recorded from Scandinavia, Switzerland and Austria.

Habitat and ecology

The spider may be locally plentiful under stones at the summits of hills, and also amongst grass and heather (Locket and Millidge 1953). It ascends at least to 600 m in the Lake District where a male was found on snow in March (S. Hewitt, pers. comm.). Adult males have been recorded between March and June with a peak in April and May, adult females between April and July.

Status

Local, but it may be common where it occurs. This small spider of inaccessible upland habitats is probably under-recorded.

Threats

Disturbance due to recreational pressures (including ski development) may represent a threat in some localities. The reaction to the species to heather burning is unknown but needs investigation.

Management and conservation

The species is insufficiently known and requires further research to formulate management recommendations. In particular, the effects of heather burning should be studied. Text based on Dawson, I.K., Harvey, P.R., Merrett, P. & Russell-Smith, A.R. (in prep.).