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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
0m to 700m

Species text

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

Habitat and ecology
The spider is found on vegetation which has sufficient height and strength to support the large orb web, such as undisturbed grassland, heather and gorse. There may be a preference for damper situations. The web is usually found stretched across the gap between plants, with a large tent-like retreat at one side, where the spider can be found if not in the centre of the web. This very variably-coloured spider holds the British weight record. Adults are found in late summer and autumn, with a male peak in August and female peak between August and October.

Status
Locally common, although Crocker & Daws (1996) suggest that it may be declining. This may be due to loss of suitable habitat.

Original author of profile: W.J. Partridge  References

Adult Season

Habitats

background methodology

Recorded management for locations with Araneus quadratus

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Araneus quadratus

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