Scotophaeus natalensis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Natal Golden Ground Spider | |
|---|---|
 | |
| female | |
 | |
| female | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Gnaphosidae |
| Genus: | Scotophaeus |
| Species: | S. natalensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Scotophaeus natalensis Lawrence, 1938[1] | |
Scotophaeus natalensis is a species of spider in the family Gnaphosidae.[2] It is found in southern Africa and is commonly known as Natal golden ground spider.[3]
Scotophaeus natalensis is found in Zimbabwe and South Africa. In South Africa, it is recorded from two provinces: Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. Notable locations include Wyndford Guest Farm, Umhlali, Sani Pass, and Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve.[3]
Habitat and ecology
Description
Conservation
Scotophaeus natalensis is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide geographical range.[3] The species is protected in the Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve.
Etymology
The species name natalensis refers to the former Natal region (now KwaZulu-Natal) where it was originally discovered.
