Brigittea civica
Brigittea civica is a species of spider in the family Dictynidae.
Distribution
Brigittea civica is a cosmopolitan species with a wide global distribution across Europe, North Africa, and Turkey, and has been introduced to South Africa. In South Africa, it is presently known only from Gauteng province, where it is found at 1,252 m above sea level.
Habitat and ecology
Brigittea civica constructs retreat-webs on walls, with the spider positioning itself in the middle of the web, which consists of sticky threads radiating outward. Population buildup occurs very rapidly. The species is thermophilic with high susceptibility to frost, and does not tolerate direct rain and wind. While this species is often found in colonies on building walls, its natural habitat is on rocks.
Description
Brigittea civica is known from both sexes. The front body is dark brown, with a dark border, and the sternum is dark brown to black. The legs are light brown and may have dark bands. Both sexes have a body length of 2.3-3.5 mm.
Conservation
Brigittea civica is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide global geographic range. As an introduced species known to be invasive, regular sampling is necessary.