Copa kei

Copa kei is a species of spider in the family Corinnidae. The species is endemic to eastern South Africa. The species epithet is named after Kei Mouth.

Distribution

Copa kei is endemic to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa.
Notable locations include Dwesa Nature Reserve, Cwebe Nature Reserve, Hogsback, Kei Mouth, and Karkloof Nature Reserve.

Habitat and ecology

Copa kei is a free-living ground-dweller mainly found in the leaf litter layer of Afromontane and coastal forests, where it has been recorded at altitudes ranging from 7 to 1,505 m above sea level.
The species inhabits Forest, Savanna, and Thicket biomes.

Description

Copa kei is known from both sexes. Like other members of its genus, it is a medium-sized spider that closely resembles wolf spiders in general appearance and is well camouflaged.

Conservation

Copa kei is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Although threatened by habitat loss for urbanization and agricultural activities in parts of its range, it is well protected in several areas. The species is recorded from three protected areas.