Asianopis aspectans
Asianopis aspectans is a species of spider in the family Deinopidae. It is found across several African countries including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Africa.Etymology
The species epithet "aspectans" is derived from Latin, meaning "looking at" or "observing."Distribution
Asianopis aspectans was originally described from the banks of the Benito River in Equatorial Guinea. In South Africa, it has been recorded from KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga provinces at altitudes ranging from 18 to 840 metres above sea level.Habitat and ecology
The species inhabits low vegetation and constructs small, expandable webs that it casts over prey. In South Africa, it has been sampled from the Savanna biome.Description
Asianopis aspectans is distinguished by having a carapace without white bands, unlike related species. The species is known from females, though undescribed males have been photographed.Conservation
Asianopis aspectans is listed as Least Concern by the South [African National Biodiversity Institute] due to its wide African distribution, despite being rare in South Africa with a limited extent of occurrence.Taxonomy
The species was originally described by Reginald Innes Pocock in 1900 from Equatorial Guinea. It was transferred from the genus Deinopis to Asianopis by Chamberland et al. in 2022.