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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
5m to 5m

Species text

Distribution
E. tecta has been found only in two neighbouring sites in Dorset and one recently in Suffolk. In Europe it is absent from Scandinavia and Ireland but otherwise recorded from most north-western and central European countries.

Habitat and ecology
This species has been recorded from a marsh dominated by Phragmites australis and Carex riparia and among dykeside vegetation. Females were recorded in May and July, the male in July.

Status
Very rare in Britain, recorded from just one location since 1992. Only three specimens of this species have been recorded in semi natural habitat in Britain, single females in 1888 and 2009, and a male in 1974. A further female with eggsac has been found in 2019 in a plant centre near York.

Threats
Drainage and agricultural run off are threats to the marshland habitat which would result in a decline in area and quality.

Management and conservation
Scrub clearance may become necessary to maintain the reed-bed. A survey of the known sites is highly desirable to ascertain the current status of this species.

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 Enoplognatha caricis

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Enoplognatha caricis

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