Habitat requirements are evaluated for 18 epixylic bryophyte species in late successional spruce forests. Considering only localities suitable for the species, regional frequency, local frequency, and local abundance were measured together with occurrence of sexual and asexual reproduction. Four distribution patterns are distinguished. 1) Core species occur abundantly at a majority of the available localities. They frequently produce spores or gemmae, which are easily dispersed or easily established. Alternatively, the populations may be stable. 2) Urban species occur abundantly at a few of the available localities. They frequently produced gemmae but rarely spores. These species are interpreted as having limited dispersal ability between localities. 3) Rural species occur in small populations at a majority of the available localities. It is difficult to interpret this pattern and only one species was found. They may be species changing from core towards satellite species or vice versa. 4) Satellite species occur in small populations at a few of the available localities. They produce diaspores only occasionally and are interpreted to have poor dispersal ability, even within localities, or establishment difficulties.