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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range

Species text

Distribution
The spider is widespread in much of England but, until recently, absent to the north of the Humber and from most of western Britain. The species is widespread in western and central Europe including Scandinavia.

Habitat and ecology
The large scaffold webs of this spider are found on bushes and the lower branches of trees, 1.5 - 2 m above the ground (Jones 1983) and in large crevices on the sides of trunks such as old birch trees. The webs may be found between small side twigs or projections and the main trunk, making the spider easy to find by bark brushing (I. Dawson, pers. comm.). It is often found in dense, shaded woodland sites but has also been taken from gorse on more open heathland. Females also build their webs on structures including fences, gates and gravestones, etc (J. Daws, pers. comm.). Both sexes are mature in early summer, with females persisting through the summer and occasionally into the autumn.

Status
The species is generally uncommon but may be locally frequent.

Original author of profile: P. Lee

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.  References

 Account last edited by Geoff Oxford at 14:28 on Thu 13th May 2021.

Adult Season

Habitats

background methodology

Recorded management for locations with Achaearanea lunata

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Achaearanea lunata

Images

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