Xerophaeus aridus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Arid Mouse Ground Spider | |
|---|---|
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| female | |
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| female | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Gnaphosidae |
| Genus: | Xerophaeus |
| Species: | X. aridus |
| Binomial name | |
| Xerophaeus aridus | |
| Synonyms | |
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Xerophaeus aridus is a species of spider in the family Gnaphosidae.[2] It occurs in southern Africa and is commonly known as the arid mouse ground spider.[3]
Xerophaeus aridus is recorded from Namibia and South Africa. In South Africa, it is known from the Free State and Northern Cape.[3]
Habitat and ecology
The species inhabits the Nama Karoo and Grassland biomes at altitudes ranging from 1011 to 1357 m above sea level. Xerophaeus aridus are free-living ground dwellers.[3]
Description
Conservation
Xerophaeus aridus is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide range. The species is protected in six protected areas including Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve, Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve, Benfontein Game Reserve, Namaqua National Park, and Rooipoort Nature Reserve. There are no known threats.[3]
