What does the range mean on summon nature's ally spell

[Zamtap]

From the SRD,
Summon Nature’s Ally I
Conjuration (Summoning)
Level: Drd 1, Rgr 1
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 round
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect: One summoned creature
Duration: 1 round/level (D)
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
This spell summons a natural creature. It appears where you designate and acts immediately, on your turn. It attacks your opponents to the best of its ability. If you can communicate with the creature, you can direct it not to attack, to attack particular enemies, or to perform other actions.
A summoned monster cannot summon or otherwise conjure another creature, nor can it use any teleportation or planar travel abilities. Creatures cannot be summoned into an environment that cannot support them.
The spell conjures one of the creatures from the 1st-level list on the accompanying Summon Nature’s Ally table. You choose which kind of creature to summon, and you can change that choice each time you cast the spell. All the creatures on the table are neutral unless otherwise noted.

Ok while DMing this evening I realised I don't know what the range in summon spells means is it?

(a) is it the distance from you within which the creatures have existance

(b) the distance from you that they can be when they first appear

(c) somethign else?

thanks in advance

Zamtap

 

[Geoff Watson]

(b) the distance from you that they can be when they first appear

This one.

Geoff.

 

[shilsen]

This one.

Geoff.

Seconded.

 

[Krelios]

(a) and (b). If a summoned creature moves more than the spell's range from you, the spell ends and the creature disappears (as with all ranged spells).

 

[shilsen]

(a) and (b). If a summoned creature moves more than the spell's range from you, the spell ends and the creature disappears (as with all ranged spells).

Wrong.

PHB, pg.175 - "Range determines how far away an effect can appear, but if the effect is mobile (a summoned monster, for instance), it can move regardless of the spell's range."

 

[smootrk]

Wrong.

PHB, pg.175 - "Range determines how far away an effect can appear, but if the effect is mobile (a summoned monster, for instance), it can move regardless of the spell's range."

Seconded, once appearing the summoned critter is able to move freely until the spells expiration makes it disappear.