Spiders
Scotophaeus sp. and likely S. blackwalli. A mouse spider with an earwig
Habitat and ecology . In Britain S. blackwalli typically seems to be restricted to houses, sheds, etc. which suggests that this species has migrated northwards from warmer places. It has been found in gardens on bushes and can be fairly common on wooden fences and under bark of dead trees in urban situations in Leicestershire (J. Daws, pers. comm.). These outdoor specimens have been noted as generally much larger than those from inside houses (Crocker & Daws 1996). Certainly, in the Mediterranean region, where there are more Scotophaeus species, these are often lighter coloured and are to be found under flakes of bark on trees (particularly pines) and even in the dried stalks of reeds. In Britain one often comes across S. blackwalli at night, creeping stealthily on the walls or ceilings of a house. It may be that S. blackwalli does so, unnoticed, during daylight and that it is its dark colour and sinister movement that catches the eye when the electric light is switched on. Adults have been recorded throughout the year, but mainly in summer.
Status
Relatively common.
