Summary for Steatoda phalerata

National Distribution

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Cryphoeca silvicola Orkney Copyright: Lee Johnson

Identification difficulty rating: 4

Name: Asagena phalerata

Authority: (Panzer, 1801)

Order: Arachnida: Araneae

Family: Theridiidae

1992-on hectads: 0

Pre-1992 hectads: 0

Total hectads: 0

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About this species

Recorded altitude range

Species text

Distribution
The species is widespread but locally distributed throughout Britain. It is widespread in western and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology
This spider is usually found at ground level or in low vegetation in dry grassland, heathland and on sand dunes. It is ant-like in appearance and is usually found with ants, sometimes even in their nests. It does not build a web but actively hunts ants, which it captures with little or no use of silk to immobilise them. Adult males have been recorded in the summer between May and September, females until October.

Status
Generally uncommon throughout its range.

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