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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
1m to 301m

Species text

Distribution
The species is widespread in East Anglia and south-eastern England but is much more locally distributed elsewhere in southern Britain. It is apparently absent north of Derbyshire although the county distribution map in Locket et al. (1974) extends the range as far north as Cumbria. Apart from Sweden, where it is included in their Red List (Gärdenfors 2000) the spider is absent from Scandinavia, but otherwise widespread in north-western and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology
This species builds its webs on low vegetation in wetland habitats including saltmarsh, reed fen, sedge marsh and carr woodland. Both sexes are mature from early to mid-summer with females recorded into the autumn.

Status
Generally uncommon but most frequent in south-eastern England. There has been no recent decline in this species.

Threats
Drainage and degradation of wetland habitats.

Management and conservation
Ensure wetlands are not drained for agriculture or other land-use.

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 Rugathodes instabilis

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Rugathodes instabilis

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