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National Distribution

About this species

Recorded altitude range
1m to 190m

Species text

Distribution
The species is widespread but very scattered in Britain. The species is widespread in western Europe.

Habitat and ecology
Most early records were from dry wine cellars, but it is now recorded in other indoor situations (Merrett 1979), usually found close to floor level. The female hangs upside down in a tangled sheet web and gyrates very rapidly if disturbed. She carries the bundle of eggs in her chelicerae, loosely surrounded by silk threads, until they hatch. Adults may be found at all seasons and in Europe it has been observed that males may live for two years and females for three to four years (Bristowe 1958).

Status
This species is found infrequently in England and Wales, and there are few records from Scotland. It is thought to be of American origin, imported first into France and then into Britain on wine bottles.

Original author of profile: D.R. Nellist

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

Adult Season

Habitats

background methodology

Recorded management for locations with Psilochorus simoni

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Psilochorus simoni

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