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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
0m to 300m

Species text

Distribution
T. insecta is widespread but scattered throughout most of England with the exception of the south-west and large parts of the north Midlands. There are few records for Wales and Scotland. A Palaearctic species, it is widespread in north-western and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology
This linyphiid is essentially restricted to ancient broad-leaved woodland. Crocker & Daws (1996) note that specimens are found amongst leaf litter, sphagnum and golden-saxifrage flushes in Leicestershire woodlands (oak, birch/oak, birch/alder and alder/willow). In Essex the spider is found in leaf litter in oak/hornbeam and chestnut woodland. At Wicken and Woodwalton Fens it has been found in fen carr. Adults have been recorded throughout the year but males and most females between November and July.

Status
Local, but the spider may be numerous in some places. There may have been a long-term and widespread decline throughout its range in Britain.

Threats
Clearance of ancient broad-leaved woodland.

Management and conservation
Protect ancient woodlands from conversion to 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 Tapinocyba insecta

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Tapinocyba insecta

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