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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
5m to 950m

Species text

Distribution
The species is widespread in northern England but scattered in Scotland. It was thought to be endemic to Britain but has recently been recorded in Siberia (Tanasevitch & Koponen, 2006). Nevertheless, our populations are globally important.

Habitat and ecology
S. caliginosus occurs in wet places, among Sphagnum, Juncus, grass and moss, mostly on high ground, but down to almost sea level in the north. Adults are found in June, July, August, September and in early spring. It may be adult for most of the year.

Status
UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. The spider is local and never particularly common. There has apparently been a highly significant decline over the past 30 years. Trend analysis of the continuing decline in area of occupancy over the period 1976 to 2005 indicates a reduction in population size of 69% over a ten year period. The spider has been recorded from just three locations since 1992 although there may have been some under-recording. Its area of occupancy has declined from 22 hectads before 1992 to just two hectads since that date.

Threats
Some sites might be threatened by drainage for afforestation.

Management and conservation
Ensure suitable wetlands are protected from drainage for forestry 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 Semljicola caliginosus

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Semljicola caliginosus

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