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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
20m to 104m

Species text

Distribution
This species has been recorded from four sites on the Lizard in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Lulworth and Ringstead in Dorset and the islands of Ramsey and Skokholm in Pembrokeshire. Recently it has also been found on the Welsh mainland in 2008, on the Lleyn Peninsula. The exact distribution in Europe is uncertain due to confusion with similar species, but it appears to be widespread in western and central Europe as far north as Sweden, where it is included in their Red List (Gärdenfors 2000). It has not been recorded in Ireland.

Habitat and ecology
Maritime grassland and heath. C. genevensis has been recorded from under stones and among scree in maritime grasslands, and also amongst grass and heather in coastal habitats. Adult females have been found from April to September but males only in April.

Status
Although there appears to be a decline in Area of Occupancy its recent discovery in north Wales suggests the potential for further locations along the western coasts. Twenty-seven females or cells with eggs were found on Ramsey Island in 1999 (having been first recorded on the island in 1933), and 24 again in April 2006, so it is clearly well established on Ramsey.

Threats
The loss of coastal heaths and grasslands to agriculture plus public pressure on existing sites. Trampling and accidental fires will degrade known sites and may adversely affect this species.

Management and conservation
The reduction of public pressure and trampling may be advantageous. Ramsey Island is now an RSPB reserve.

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 Porrhoclubiona genevensis

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Porrhoclubiona genevensis

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