Summary for Ostearius melanopygius (Araneae)
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National Distribution
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Identification difficulty rating: 3
Name: Ostearius melanopygius
Authority: (O.P.-Cambridge, 1879)
Order: Arachnida: Araneae
Family: Linyphiidae
IUCN status: LC
Records: 1079
First Record: 1900
Latest Record: 2023
1992-on hectads: 297
Pre-1992 hectads: 161
Total hectads: 404
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About this species
Recorded altitude range0m to 1060m
Species text
Ostearius melanopygius (O. P.-Cambridge, 1879) Status: The spider's association with rubbish-tips and refuse, and the knowledge that it occurred in Madeira and the Azores, led Bristowe (1939) to suggest that it had been imported from the Atlantic islands. Importation from New Zealand has also been suggested (Locket & Millidge 1953), but it is more likely to have been exported from Britain to New Zealand (P. Merrett, pers. comm.). Adults are found from spring through to autumn. Distribution: The species is widespread in much of England, but very scattered elsewhere. It is cosmopolitan and widespread in Europe as far north as Sweden in Scandinavia. Habitat and ecology: O. melanopygius occurs in a very wide range of habitats, particularly rubbish heaps and gardens, and occasionally occurring indoors. It is a frequent aeronaut. Adults of both sexes are found throughout the year, with most recorded in summer and autumn or early winter. Author of profile: D.R. NellistText 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 436 records with adult season information)
Habitats
background methodologyBroad Habitat Data (based on 388 records with habitat information)
Broad subhabitat Data (based on 20 records with subhabitat information)
Structural Habitat Data (based on 236 records with structural habitat information)
Habitat Detail and Method (based on 274 records with habitat detail and method information)
Recorded management for locations with Ostearius melanopygius
Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Ostearius melanopygius
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