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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
4m to 420m

Species text

Distribution
The species is widespread in south-eastern and central England and central Scotland, but apparently scattered or absent elsewhere. It has a Palaearctic distribution and is widespread in north-western and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology
The spider is nearly always found in crevices in the bark of trees, particularly conifers, amongst lichen on tree trunks and sometimes in birds' nests. In early summer it may sometimes be found running over the surface of the bark in numbers. Adults are found in spring and summer mostly in May and June, but occasional individuals have been recorded in the autumn.

Status
This is a widespread but local species. The spider is probably active for short periods and its cryptic tree trunk habitat is likely to be under-recorded.

Threats
Threats include the loss of old trees in sunny situations.

Management and conservation
Old trees in sunny situations should be retained and seral succession prevented from shading existing trunks.

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 Moebelia penicillata

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Moebelia penicillata

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