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National Distribution

About this species

Distribution
The range does not extend to the north of a line from the Wash to the Lleyn Peninsula. The spider is apparently rare in northern Europe but is widespread as far north as Sweden, where it is included in their Red List (Gärdenfors 2000).

Habitat and ecology
Woodland. Found mainly on trees, particularly oaks and evergreens. Evidence from Essex and Hertfordshire would seem to suggest that this species is adult a few weeks earlier than A. cucurbitina and A. opisthographa with specimens recorded from oaks whose leaf buds are only just beginning to open. This may lead to the species being overlooked when the commoner species in the genus are more prevalent. Adults have been recorded from April to June with a peak in May.

Status
The spider may be frequent at some sites and appears to be increasing, though still very local.

Threats
The loss of semi-natural woodland to intensive forestry may be detrimental.

Management and conservation
Protect broad-leaved woodland from destruction for agriculture and urban development.

Text based on Dawson, I.K., Harvey, P.R., Merrett, P. & Russell-Smith, A.R. (in prep.).  References

Adult Season

Habitats

background methodology

Recorded management for locations with Araniella inconspicua

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Araniella inconspicua

Images

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