Textrix denticulata a Garden Mega

 

Textrix denticulata overwintering under a tile

Recently I found Textrix denticulata in my garden between a number of stacked tiles. Initially I almost dismissed it Amaurobius similis a species which is super abundant within my garden, as it was such a small individual. However the distinctive markings and heavy leg striping warranted closer inspection. Thankfully I did as this delightful little species is either very scarce or more likely under-recorded within this area. 

This species has one other record within the 10km grid square (Cayton Bay) between 1980-1991, with no other records within the surrounding 10km grid squares. The species is classified as having a widespread but patchy distribution in Britain, with a more westerly distribution. This species typically habituates rocky environments, in crevices, on low vegetation, underneath bark and dry stone walls. In northern England it is associated with drystone walls on hilly areas but across the rest of the country occurs on rocky shores, quarries, brownfield sites, railway ballast and similar habitats. In Scotland it is more primarily associated with houses and buildings, in a more similar situation to where I found it. 

Interestingly the main adult season is between April and September with relatively few winter records, when I found this one. With this species now on my radar I will attempt to see if the species is more widespread than records suggest in more favourable habitat types.