Copuetta lotzi
Copuetta lotzi is a species of spider in the family Corinnidae. It is endemic to South Africa and is commonly known as Lotz's tree lycosiform sac spider.
Etymology
The species is named after South African arachnologist Leon N. Lotz.
Distribution
Copuetta lotzi is endemic to South Africa and has been recorded from four provinces: Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Western Cape. The species occurs at altitudes ranging from 613 to 1,601 m above sea level.
The species is protected in four protected areas including Benfontein Game Reserve, Free State National [Botanical Gardens], Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve, and Anysberg Nature Reserve.
Habitat and ecology
Copuetta lotzi is a ground-dwelling spider occurring in the more arid Grassland and Nama Karoo biomes of South Africa. It has been collected using pitfall traps and found under bark and rocks, as well as inside abandoned Trinervitermes trinervoides termite mounds. The species is occasionally found in houses, but not as frequently as C. lacustris.
Description
Copuetta lotzi is known from both sexes. Like other members of its genus, it is a medium to large spider with a smooth carapace featuring black feathery setae forming different markings.
Conservation
Copuetta lotzi is listed as Least Concern by the South [African National Biodiversity Institute] due to its wide geographical range. The species faces no significant threats and is recorded from several protected areas.
Taxonomy
The species was described by Charles R. Haddad in 2013 from Bloemfontein in the Free State.