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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
0m to 890m

Species text

Distribution
The species is widespread in much of Britain, but scarce or absent from some areas. It is widespread in north-western Europe.

Habitat and ecology
This species is usually found on unimproved grassland and mature heathland. It can be found on tall grass, heather and gorse, but may also occur abundantly in sparsely vegetated sandy habitats. In West Lancashire it is most frequent at middle altitudes (100 - 250 m) but has been found at 400 m (J. Newton, pers. comm.). P. ludicrum builds a small sheet-web amongst vegetation, normally close to the ground. Adult males are active between April and July with a defined peak in May (Merrett 1969), but maybe later further north. Our data show a peak in recorded adults between April and July, females later than males.

Status
Locally frequent in suitable habitats.

Original author of profile: J.R. Bell

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

Habitats

background methodology

Recorded management for locations with Peponocranium ludicrum

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Peponocranium ludicrum

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