Anyphops leleupi


Anyphops leleupi is a species of spider in the family Selenopidae. It is endemic to South Africa and is commonly known as Leleup's Anyphops flat spider.

Distribution

Anyphops leleupi occurs in two South African provinces: Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Notable localities include Mariepskop, Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve, Wolkberg Wilderness Area, and Blouberg Nature Reserve.

Habitat and ecology

The species inhabits the Savanna biome at altitudes ranging from 762 to 1407 m above sea level. These are free-living cryptozoic nocturnal spiders that have been sampled from tree bark.

Description

Known only from the female. The anterior tibiae have 6 pairs of inferior spines. Total length is 9.5 mm.

Conservation

Anyphops leleupi is listed as Least Concern due to its wide geographical range. The species is protected in multiple reserves including Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve, Lhuvhondo Nature Reserve, Blouberg Nature Reserve, and Hanglip Forest Reserve.

Taxonomy

The species was described by Benoit in 1972 from Mariepskop in Mpumalanga.