Anansi natalensis
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| Anansi natalensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Mimetidae |
| Genus: | Anansi |
| Species: | A. natalensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Anansi natalensis (Lawrence, 1938) | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Anansi natalensis, commonly known as the Anansi pirate spider,[1] is a species of pirate spider in the family Mimetidae. It is endemic to South Africa.[2]
A. natalensis is known from both sexes.[1]
Distribution and habitat
Anansi natalensis is a South African endemic with a wide distribution across seven provinces. It has been recorded from the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and Western Cape provinces, at elevations ranging from 5 to 1,732 m above sea level. The species occupies all biomes in South Africa except the Desert and Succulent Karoo biomes.[1]
The spider is commonly found in agricultural areas including avocado orchards, citrus groves, cotton fields, and pine plantations, where it preys on other spiders. It has also been recorded from numerous protected areas.[1]
Behavior
Anansi natalensis is a free-living, arboreal spider that specializes in preying on other spiders. It is typically found on vegetation where adequate prey is available.[1]
