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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
0m to 240m

Species text

Distribution
Apart from an old doubtful record from Staffordshire, the species is restricted to South Wales and the south of England. It is widespread in Europe, especially in the south.

Habitat and ecology
N. furtiva occurs mainly on dry heathland, reaching highest densities among mature heather, occasionally on calcareous grassland. Both sexes are adult in June and July, females also until August. It is an ant-mimic.

Status
In the past the spider has been fairly common on southern heathland from Dorset to Surrey. Although southern heathlands have been under-recorded in recent years there appears to be a long term decline.

Threats
The loss of heathland to agriculture, forestry and development.

Management and conservation
Although this species is found mainly among older heather, it is necessary to maintain all seral stages of heather by rotational management.

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 Neriene furtiva

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Neriene furtiva

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