Araneus coccinella

Araneus coccinella is a species of spider in the family Araneidae. It is endemic to South Africa and is commonly known as the coccinella spider.

Distribution

Araneus coccinella is known from three provinces in South Africa, Gauteng, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal. The species was originally described from Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal.

Habitat and ecology

This orb-web dwelling spider has been sampled mainly from three biomes. The species mimics Coccinella beetles in appearance. During long-term surveys in Irene, specimens were collected yearly in December and January.

Description

The species is easily recognized by its distinct abdominal pattern. Only the female is known, with the male remaining undescribed.

Conservation

Araneus coccinella is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute despite being rare, due to its wide geographical range. The species is protected in Lhuvhondo Nature Reserve.

Etymology

The species name coccinella refers to its resemblance to Coccinella beetles.

Taxonomy

The species was described by Reginald Innes Pocock in 1898 from the type locality Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal. Pocock speculated that this species might not belong to the genus Araneus. The species was previously misidentified in books.