Austrachelas incertus


Austrachelas incertus is a species of spider in the family Gallieniellidae. It is the type species of the genus Austrachelas and is endemic to South Africa.

Distribution

Austrachelas incertus is endemic to KwaZulu-Natal province, with records from elevations ranging from 870–2477 m above sea level. Known localities include Bulwer, Cathedral Peak, Cathkin Peak, Hilton, Karkloof, Ndumeni Forest, Ngome State Forest, Richards Bay, Pietermaritzburg, and Wakefield Farm.

Habitat

The species is typically collected in pitfall traps or through litter sifting in Grassland and Savanna biomes.

Description

Both sexes are known. The opisthosoma displays cream chevron markings.

Conservation

Austrachelas incertus is listed as Vulnerable due to its small restricted distribution range and ongoing decline in habitat outside protected areas. The species faces threats from infrastructure development around Pietermaritzburg and crop farming around Hilton and Karkloof.