Ballomma haddadi


Ballomma haddadi is a species of spider in the family Zodariidae. It is endemic to South Africa and is commonly known as Haddad's Ballomma Zodariid spider.

Etymology

The species is named after Charles R. Haddad, a prominent South African arachnologist.

Distribution

Ballomma haddadi occurs in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. It has been recorded from Woodbush Forest near Polokwane, Kaingo Game Reserve in the Waterberg, and Ohrigstad.

Habitat

The species inhabits the Savanna biome at altitudes ranging from 860 to 1,080 metres above sea level. It occurs in forest environments where it has been sampled by sifting litter.

Description

Ballomma haddadi is known from both sexes. Males are easily recognized by their distinctive pedipalp with a long, thin, sinuous embolus that has a large, sharp process at its base. The cephalothorax is medium brown, and the abdomen is grey with a complex pale pattern. Females have a characteristic epigyne with a dark central area and well-separated spermathecae.

Ecology

Ballomma haddadi are free-living ground-dwellers that inhabit the leaf litter of forest environments. They are collected through litter sifting methods.

Conservation

The species is listed as data deficient due to its obscure status. More sampling is needed to determine the full extent of its distribution range.