Summary details for Xysticus luctuosus (Blackwall, 1836)

Species Details

Species name
Xysticus luctuosus (Blackwall, 1836)
Taxonomy
Animalia :: Araneae :: Thomisidae
habitat
shaded woodland floor

Distribution

The species is widespread, but scattered. It is widespread in north-western and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology

The spider occurs among low plants and on bushes in woods. Adults are found from May to July.

Status

Although recorded from 16 counties, there are few recent records for this spider. It is possible that some of the old records from southern counties refer to X. acerbus Thorell, females of which are very similar to X. luctuosus. It has apparently declined precipitously in the past 20 years.

Threats

The loss of woodland to intensive forestry, and clearance of understorey.

Management and conservation

Maintain low plants and the shrub layer in woodland. Text based on Dawson, I.K., Harvey, P.R., Merrett, P. & Russell-Smith, A.R. (in prep.).

Stats

First recorded
1861
Last recorded
2023
Total records
42
Total visits
42

Conservation status

Xysticus luctuosus
SourceReporting categoryDesignationDate designatedComments
A Review of the scarce and threatened spiders (Araneae) of Great Britain: Species Status No. 22 (Sep 2017)Rare and scarce speciesNationally Rare. Includes Red Listed taxa42979
A Review of the scarce and threatened spiders (Araneae) of Great Britain: Species Status No. 22 (Sep 2017)Red listing based on 2001 IUCN guidelinesEndangered42979Although recorded from 16 counties, there are few recent records for this species. Some of the old records from southern counties may refer to X. acerbus Thorell, females of which are very similar to X. luctuosus. B2ab(ii,iv) is justified because the spider has apparently declined precipitously in the past 20 years. Threats: The loss of woodland to intensive forestry, and clearance of understorey.

Photos and media

Spatial distribution - hectad map

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Rejected records are excluded from this map. Unverified records are included.

Temporal distribution - records by year

Records that span more than one year are not included in this chart.

Temporal distribution - records by week