Summary for Metellina merianae (Araneae)

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National Distribution

 
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Metellina merianae 2 Copyright: Richard McMellon
Identification difficulty rating: 3
Name: Metellina merianae
Authority: (Scopoli, 1763)
Order: Arachnida: Araneae
Family: Tetragnathidae
IUCN status: LC

Records: 4491
First Record: 1862
Latest Record: 2024

1992-on hectads: 963
Pre-1992 hectads: 633
Total hectads: 1284

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About this species

Recorded altitude range
0m to 650m

Species text

Distribution
The species is widespread in much of Britain. It is widespread in western and central Europe, extending as far east as Georgia (Platnick 1998).

Habitat and ecology
This spider produces an orb web in shady, damp habitats, but is usually found concealed away from its web during the day. M. merianae can be found in boathouses, cellars, abandoned rabbit and badger burrows, hollow trees and near the entrances of caves and culverts, particularly in the vicinity of water seeps. A favoured habitat of this spider is beneath soil overhangs in a variety of habitats including woodland and moorland to over 500 m altitude above Loch Lomond in Dunbartonshire (J. Newton, pers. comm.). Specimens have also been found on bushes and rock faces within the spray zones of waterfalls. Both sexes have been recorded throughout the year, with peaks in late spring/early summer and late summer/autumn. White, spiky egg-sacs have been observed in June.

Status
Common, perhaps especially so in the north where it may be abundant in webs across drainage channels with overhanging heather in moorland (I. Dawson, pers. comm.).

Original author of profile: R.C. Gallon

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

Adult Season

Adult Season Data (based on 1346 records with adult season information)


Habitats

background methodology

Broad Habitat Data (based on 1965 records with habitat information)

Broad subhabitat Data (based on 92 records with subhabitat information)

Structural Habitat Data (based on 589 records with structural habitat information)

Habitat Detail and Method (based on 834 records with habitat detail and method information)

Recorded management for locations with Metellina merianae

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Metellina merianae

Images

Metellina merianae epigyne
Metellina merianae epigyne
Metellina merianae microscope
Metellina merianae microscope
Metellina merianae (f)
Metellina merianae (f)
Metellina merianae Gloucs 4
Metellina merianae Gloucs 4
Metellina merianae Gloucs 3
Metellina merianae Gloucs 3
Metellina merianae Gloucs 2
Metellina merianae Gloucs 2
Metellina merianae Gloucs
Metellina merianae Gloucs
Metellina merianae in tunnel
Metellina merianae in tunnel
Metellina merianae 2
Metellina merianae 2
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