Silky Gallows-spider Phycosoma inornatum
The Silky Gallows-spider (Phycosoma inornatum) is a scarce money spider (Linyphiidae) of open, dry heathland and sandy grassland, associated with the sparse, low vegetation and bare ground characteristic of well-managed heathland. It is a southern and eastern species in Britain, and Suffolk’s Sandlings heathlands and Breckland sandy grasslands represent important habitat within its national range. The species is easily overlooked given its small size and the challenges of identifying linyphiids in the field, and records depend heavily on targeted sweep-netting and pitfall survey effort at suitable sites. Maintaining open heathland structure through grazing and scrub management supports this and many associated specialist invertebrates. Image: © Shreyas Kuchibhotla, iNaturalist.
Find out more: iNaturalist, British Arachnological Society
Suffolk’s Priority Spider and other Arachnid Species
Key
Listed as a conservation priority in Suffolk’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Closely associated with Suffolk’s landscape and natural identity.
Identified as a key priority for recovery under Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Has a Species of the Month article attached.
