Summary details for Thyreosthenius parasiticus (Westring, 1851)

Distribution

The species is widespread in much of England and central Scotland, but very scattered elsewhere and apparently absent from the south-west and other parts of Britain. It is widespread in north-western and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology

T. parasiticus is found in damp, dark habitats of two main types: underground sites such as mines, caves, cellars, and disused sewers; and in woodland sites inside hollow trees, in dead and rotting timber, under bark, in birds' nests and in the dense dry twiggy material lodged in epicormic growths. It also occurs on derelict sites, under stones in rubbish dumps. Adults have been found throughout the year.

Status

Local but infrequent, and perhaps under-recorded because of its specialised habitat Original author of profile: J.M. Newton 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.