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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range

Species text

Distribution
The species is widespread in much of Britain. It is widespread in western and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology
The species is a frequent aeronaut and can be found in many different situations. It is regularly recorded indoors. In lowland England, its habitats include ruderal vegetation, gardens, grassland, arable fields, wetland, heathland and woodland, but it is perhaps especially associated with grasslands. R. Gallon (pers. comm.) notes the species has a particular fondness for living in rabbit scrapes in the short turf of limestone grassland. In many of these situations it can be considered a 'pioneer' species which will quickly colonise new habitats and take advantage of disturbed ground. L. tenuis is often frequent in open lowland grassland but is rare or absent in upland exposed grassland where L. zimmermanni is common (Gallon 2000a). Adults can be found throughout the year, mostly in the summer and autumn.

Status
Common. In many parts of Britain the species can be regarded as one of the most ubiquitous spiders, but is less frequent in the north of Scotland.

Original author of profile: P.R. Harvey using information from C. Geddes, W. Rixom, H. Williams (pers. comms.).

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

Adult Season

Habitats

background methodology

Recorded management for locations with Lepthyphantes tenuis

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Lepthyphantes tenuis

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