Afrarchaea woodae
Afrarchaea woodae is a species of spider of the genus Afrarchaea. It is endemic to South Africa.
Distribution
Afrarchaea woodae is restricted to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, where it is known from only two coastal locations. The species was found from elevations ranging from 35 to 52 metres above sea level.Known localities include Eastern Cape.
Habitat
The species inhabits coastal dune forest environments, where it has been collected from under dry Strelitzia nicolai leaves on the forest floor and from grassy areas behind coastal dunes. This specialized coastal habitat is experiencing ongoing degradation and loss.Description
Afrarchaea woodae exhibits the characteristic features of the genus, including a greatly elevated cephalic region and elongated chelicerae. Both males and females are known for this species.Conservation status
Afrarchaea woodae is classified as Endangered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. This classification reflects the species' extremely restricted distribution to coastal dune forest habitats that are experiencing ongoing habitat loss.The primary threats to the species include coastal housing development, subsistence crop cultivation and general coastal development pressures.
The species is currently protected within Cwebe Nature Reserve, but development around the Kei River area represents an ongoing threat. Additional sampling is needed to better understand the species' distribution and population status.