Philodromus aureolus

Description

Very similar to other members of the group and microscopic examination of the genitalia is necessary to confirm identification.

Similar Species

Voucher specimens of all species in the aureolus group are essential (P. aureolus, P. buxi, P. cespitum, P. collinus, P. longipalpis and P. praedatus).

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Confirmation of this species: "Requires examination at high magnification in good lighting, typically examination of the genitalia." Bee, L., Oxford, G., & Smith, H. (2020). Britain's Spiders: A Field Guide. Second Edition. Princeton University Press.

Habitat

The species is found in a variety of wooded habitats including broad-leaved, mixed and conifer woods, thickets, hedgerows and scrub. It also not infrequently enters houses. It is usually beaten from bushes and the lower branches of trees but may also be swept from adjacent herbage. Although sometimes found on old trees, the spider is more often collected from younger trees, both broad-leaved and coniferous.

When to see it

Adults of both sexes occur mainly in early to mid-summer.

Life History

The spider probably over-winters in the leaf litter that accumulates in various woodland situations.

UK Status

The species is widespread in most of Britain, apparently more scattered in the west and north.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Further Information

3833 British records for this species to 2013. 

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Spiders
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Araneae
Family:
Philodromidae
Records on NatureSpot:
27
First record:
25/06/2002 (Jon Daws)
Last record:
15/06/2023 (de Vries, Fer-Jan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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