Summary for Theridion melanurum (Araneae)

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National Distribution

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Identification difficulty rating: 3

Name: Theridion melanurum

Authority: Hahn, 1831

Order: Arachnida: Araneae

Family: Theridiidae

IUCN status: LC

Records: 1044

First Record: 1890

Latest Record: 2023

1992-on hectads: 233

Pre-1992 hectads: 155

Total hectads: 342

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About this species

Recorded altitude range
0m to 300m

Species text

Distribution
The species is widespread in England but is apparently more locally distributed in the south-west and Wales and absent or very restricted in the north. It is widespread in western and central Europe but is not listed for Sweden and was removed from the checklist for Norway where it had been confused with T. mystaceum (Aakra 2000; Aakra & Hauge 2000).

Habitat and ecology
This is a synanthropic species constructing its webs in and around buildings. It obtains the majority of its water requirements through the prey it catches and so is able to withstand the arid environment of a modern, centrally heated house. It is occasionally found on vegetation away from buildings where it is likely to be mistaken for the very similar species T. mystaceum. Adults have been recorded in most months of the year, but with a peak between April and July.

Status
Common in England south of Yorkshire, becoming rare in northern England and Scotland.

Original author of profile: P. Lee

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