Runcinia aethiops
Species of spider
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Runcinia aethiops is a species of spider in the family Thomisidae.[1] It is widespread throughout Africa.[2]
| Runcinia aethiops | |
|---|---|
| |
| juvenile female | |
 | |
| juvenile male | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Thomisidae |
| Genus: | Runcinia |
| Species: | R. aethiops |
| Binomial name | |
| Runcinia aethiops | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Runciniopsis aethiops Simon, 1901 | |
Distribution
Runcinia aethiops occurs throughout Africa.[1]
In South Africa, it has been recorded from all provinces. Notable locations include Addo Elephant National Park, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Kruger National Park, and De Hoop Nature Reserve.[2]
Habitat and ecology
Description
Females have a slightly flattened body with the eyes positioned on a distinct carina. The abdomen is decorated with longitudinal striae following its contour, with rows of setae that differ in shape between species.[2]
Males are more slender than females and have longer legs, with front legs bearing brown bands and setae replaced with a brush of hair.[2]
Conservation
Runcinia aethiops is listed as Least Concern due to its wide geographical range. The species is protected in more than twenty protected areas throughout South Africa.[2]
Taxonomy
Runcinia aethiops was originally described by Eugène Simon in 1901 as Runciniopsis aethiops from Ethiopia.[3] The species was revised by Dippenaar-Schoeman in 1980 and is known from both sexes.[4][5]
