Summary

A field survey of the Endangered and Nationally Rare linyphiid spider Centromerus levitarsis (Simon, 1884) was undertaken on 17th January 2020, and between 3rd and 7th November 2021. Nine sites were surveyed: Oakmere Moss, Black Lake, Wybunbury Moss, Brackenhurst Bog, Little Budworth Common and Abbots Moss (Cheshire); Bowness Common, Glasson Moss and Wedholme Flow (Cumberland). Previous British records of C. levitarsis are presented and its British habitat preferences discussed, suggesting an affinity with unmodified lowland raised bogs.

Centromerus levitarsis could not be relocated at Oakmere Moss, its only known Cheshire site. It was last recorded there in the 1940s and is now considered extinct at this location. Three adult female C. levitarsis were recorded at two sites on Bowness Common, representing a new site for this species. A single adult female was found at Glasson Moss, updating the 1971 record from that site.

In total 110 spider, 2 harvestmen, 1 Pseudoscorpion and 1 centipede species were recorded during this survey, and of the spiders, 5 are Nationally Rare and 17 Nationally Scarce.

New winter records are provided for Carorita limnaea, Glyphesis cottonae, Gnaphosa nigerrima and Minicia marginella. Minicia marginella was found to be abundant at Bowness Common, Glasson Moss and Wedholme Flow, and is newly recorded at each of these raised bogs.

Published 14/02/2024