Philodromus aureolus

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

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

Microscopic examination of the genitalia is necessary to confirm identification.

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.

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

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

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

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

3833 British records for this species to 2013.