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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
3m to 230m

Species text

Distribution
The species has been recorded from scattered localities in southern England. It is uncommon in western Europe as far north as Denmark.

Habitat and ecology
The spider occurs in old dry heathland in Dorset, Hampshire and West Sussex (in some cases near pine trees), and in woodland litter (mainly beech) at other sites. Adults are found between April and September.

Status
UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. The spider has never been found in abundance at any site and it has been recorded from only one location since 1992. Area of occupancy has apparently declined by 88% from eight hectads before 1992 to just one hectad since that date.

Threats
The loss of heathland to afforestation, agriculture and development, and by fire.

Management and conservation
On heathland, the maintenance of some old heather is essential. Where fire is used as a management technique, it should be used on a small scale, as extensive fires might be detrimental and may account for this species' absence from many heathland areas.

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 corniculans

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Walckenaeria corniculans

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