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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
20m to 334m

Species text

Distribution
The species is known from scattered localities in the south of England and central Scotland. It is widespread in western and central Europe, but has not been recorded from Ireland.

Habitat and ecology
P. margaritatus occurs on trunks of trees, both pines and broad-leaved, especially when these are covered with lichens. It has also been found on electricity pylons near pine trees and sometimes in gardens on apple trees, etc. It is variable in colour, and camouflaged to resemble lichen on which it sits. Adults are found in May and June.

Status
UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. The spider is very local, and although it has excellent camouflage its microhabitat would be searched by arachnologists. It appears to have undergone long-term decline.

Threats
The felling of old, lichen-covered trees and degradation of habitat supporting these.

Management and conservation
Ensure that old lichen covered trees are given adequate protection, and at sites where they occur a succession of younger trees is provided to replace them when they eventually die.

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 Philodromus margaritatus

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Philodromus margaritatus

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