Ctenus spectabilis

Ctenus spectabilis is a species of spider in the family Ctenidae. It occurs in eastern Africa and is commonly known as the tropical wolf spider.

Distribution

Ctenus spectabilis is found in Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Africa. In South Africa, the species is known only from the Northern Cape province at Benfontein [Nature Reserve].

Habitat and ecology

The species is a free-living ground dweller that was sampled with pitfall traps from the Grassland biome, at an altitude of 1,172 m above sea level.

Description

Ctenus spectabilis is known from both sexes.

Conservation

Ctenus spectabilis is listed as Least Concern by the South [African National Biodiversity Institute] due to its wide geographical range. The species is protected in Benfontein Nature Reserve.

Taxonomy

The species was originally described by Roger [de Lessert] in 1921 from Tanzania. It was revised by Pierre Benoit in 1979.