Xysticus audax

Description

It has been considered by some authors to be a form of Xysticus cristatus, but there is now agreement that it is a separate species.  

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Identification 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

Grassland and scrub, especially heath like areas where gorse or heather are present.

When to see it

Adults of both sexes are found mainly in late spring and early summer with a peak in May and June, females persisting later.

UK Status

The species has a widespread but rather scattered Distribution: in much of southern Britain, with a few scattered records north. It is frequent in suitable habitat in southern England, but very local elsewhere.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Spiders
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Araneae
Family:
Thomisidae
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
12/05/2019 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
12/05/2019 (Calow, Graham)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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