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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
20m to 400m

Species text

Distribution
The species is widely scattered from the Scottish border to the far north, but known from few localities. It is common in the ancient pine forest at Abernethy, the only site with recent records. It is widespread in northern and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology
Caledonian pine forest and conifer plantations. D. elevatus occurs on tall heather, gorse and juniper, usually near or under pines, or on low branches of pine. Adults of both sexes are found in May, June and July, females also in August and September.

Status
Recorded from only two hectads since 1992, showing an apparent decline of over 70% in hectads with spider records both before and after that date (from 7 to 2). However, unlike some rare Scottish spiders, it is not restricted to ancient Caledonian pine forests, so it may not be as scarce as the present records suggest.

Threats
As it is not confined to ancient Caledonian pine, there is probably no serious threat.

Management and conservation
Maintain old heather, gorse and juniper in association with pines. Abernethy Forest is an RSPB reserve.

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 Dismodicus elevatus

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Dismodicus elevatus

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