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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
1m to 1219m

Species text

Distribution
The species is found on high ground, mainly in the north, where it is widespread. The spider has a circumpolar arctic distribution (Holm 1980) and has been recorded from Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Switzerland and Austria.

Habitat and ecology
This arctic-alpine species is found in wet mosses, Sphagnum mires and under stones, usually above 650 m, but there are a few records down to 300 m and even from a raised bog in South Lancashire at 20 m (D. Bell, pers. comm.). Parker (1969) states that adults have been taken from March to October, with a peak period from the end of May to the beginning of June. Our data record adult males from April to August, with a peak in May.

Status
An apparent long-term decline of this species in northern England may in part be due to under-recording but it appears to be widely distributed only in Scotland.

Threats
Although drainage of bogs may have been a cause of decline in the past, its apparent disappearance from areas of northern England could be associated with changing climate. Survey and further research is required to ascertain the cause of the apparent decline in this species.

Management and conservation
Protect bogs from further drainage for agriculture and forestry development.

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 Walckenaeria clavicornis

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Walckenaeria clavicornis

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