Scotophaeus relegatus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Cape Golden Ground Spider | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scotophaeus relegatus - kevin koen - 175503456.jpeg | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Gnaphosidae |
| Genus: | Scotophaeus |
| Species: | S. relegatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Scotophaeus relegatus Purcell, 1907[1] | |
Scotophaeus relegatus is a species of spider in the family Gnaphosidae.[2] It is found in southern Africa and is commonly known as Cape golden ground spider.[3]
Scotophaeus relegatus is found in Namibia and South Africa. In South Africa, it is recorded from three provinces: Free State, Gauteng, and Western Cape. Notable locations include the National Botanical Gardens in Bloemfontein, Golden Gate National Park, Cape Town, Karoo National Park, Cederberg Wilderness Area, Stellenbosch, and Bontebok National Park.[3]
Habitat and ecology
The species is a free-living ground dweller found at altitudes ranging from 3 to 1,663 m above sea level. It has been sampled from Fynbos, Grassland, Nama Karoo, Succulent Karoo, and Savanna biomes, as well as from cotton fields and vineyards.[3]
Description
Conservation
Scotophaeus relegatus is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide range.[3] The species is protected in more than ten protected areas and faces no significant threats.
Etymology
The species name relegatus means "banished" or "sent away" in Latin.
