Caponia hastifera

Caponia hastifera is a species of spider of the genus Caponia. It is endemic to South Africa.

Distribution

Caponia hastifera has been recorded from two provinces in South Africa: the Eastern Cape and Free State. Notable localities include Willowmore, Port Elizabeth, Ficksburg, and several protected areas including Andries Vosloo Kudu Reserve and Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve.

Habitat

The species is a free-living ground dweller frequently sampled in pitfall traps. It has been recorded from the Grassland and Thicket biomes.

Conservation

Caponia hastifera is listed as Least Concern due to its wide geographical range and likelihood of being under-collected. The species is found at elevations ranging from 17 to 1,645 metres above sea level.
The species is protected in Andries Vosloo Kudu Reserve, Amanzi Private Game Reserve, and Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve. The species is threatened by habitat loss from infrastructure development in Port Elizabeth and Ficksburg, and crop farming around Dunbrody.