Austrachelas bergi

Austrachelas bergi is a species of spider in the family Gallieniellidae. It is endemic to South Africa.

Distribution

Austrachelas bergi is endemic to Mpumalanga province. It has been recorded from several localities at elevations ranging from 398–1436 m above sea level, including Nelspruit district, Graskop, Mariepskop State Forest, and Songimvelo Nature Reserve.

Habitat

The species inhabits grassland and forest areas in the Savanna Biome. Type specimens were collected from avocado orchards, indicating the species can survive in agroecosystems.

Description

The opisthosoma is dark grey with cream spots on the dorsal surface. The prosoma has darker shades of maroon at the edges and lighter shades in the middle. The legs are creamy-peach colored.

Conservation

Austrachelas bergi is listed as Least Concern. The species can survive in agroecosystems and is protected in Songimvelo Nature Reserve and Mariepskop State Forest.