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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
15m to 110m

Species text

Distribution
The species has been recorded from Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey, Cheshire, Shropshire and Cumberland. It may be abundant in some Sphagnum bogs in heathland areas in Dorset, Hampshire and Surrey, but these areas have been poorly recorded recently. In north-western and central Europe it has been recorded from Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Germany and Poland.

Habitat and ecology
The species is found in lowland Sphagnum bogs, usually in areas where there is a sturdy growth of Sphagnum above the water level. Adults of both sexes are found between September and May, but are usually most numerous between October and February.

Status
UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. Recorded from four hectads since 1992, showing a decline of 60% in Area of Occupancy (from 10 to 4 hectads) from before that date. The spider is very small and needs to be searched for by the specialised technique of taking Sphagnum samples, which means it is likely to be under-recorded.

Threats
In common with other heathland and bog species, G. cottonae is threatened by the loss of heathland, and drainage of associated bog systems by agriculture, afforestation and development.

Management and conservation
Maintain the water table in bogs where this species has been recorded.

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 Glyphesis cottonae

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Glyphesis cottonae

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