Pseudicius flabellus

Pseudicius flabellus is a small spider with a shape typical for the genus. The spider's body is divided into two main parts: the cephalothorax and the abdomen. The male has a cephalothorax that is typically 2.0 mm (0.08 in) long and 1.4 mm (0.06 in) wide. The carapace, the hard upper part of the cephalothorax, is elongated, flat and brown with a covering of colourless hairs. It has a black eye field with a scattering of white hairs and long, brown bristles near the eyes. There is an indistinct paler streak visible on the top. The underside of the cephalothorax, or sternum, is brown. The spider's face, or clypeus, has white hairs. The mouthparts, including the chelicerae and labium, are brown. The abdomen is typically 2.3 mm (0.09 in) long and 1.4 mm (0.06 in) wide. It is elongated, brown with whites stripes on the sides and covered in colourless hairs, similar to the carapace. There is also an indistinct paler belt in the middle. The underside is dark. The spinnerets are brownish and the legs are greyish-yellow.^[13] The female has not been described.^[1]

The species is similar to others in the genus and is most easily identified by its copulatory organs. For example, it is similar to the related Pseudicius dentatus but it lacks the outgrowth towards the middle of the cymbium of the other species. The embolus is unusual. It attaches prolaterally to the palpal bulb and has a distinctive shape, being broad at its base with a much smaller tip. The species also has a unique tibial apophysis, or appendage, that is reminiscent of a fan, with a blunt end and the majority of the surface dotted with small tooth-like features.^[13] The shape of the apophysis is the reason for that the species is named "flabellus".^[12]

Pseudicius spiders can be found across Afro-Eurasia and the Eastern hemisphere.^[14] Pseudicius flabellus is endemic to South Africa.^[1] The holotype was found in Malmesbury, Rondeberg in Western Cape during 1987. The spider lives in the fynbos ecoregion.^[13]