Cydrela spinifrons

Cydrela spinifrons is a species of spider in the family Zodariidae. It is endemic to South Africa and is commonly known as the Kuruman Cydrela Burrowing spider.

Distribution

Cydrela spinifrons is found across three South African provinces: Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Northern Cape. Key localities include Kuruman, Kruger National Park, and several nature reserves in the Soutpansberg region.

Habitat

The species occurs at altitudes ranging from 285 to 1558 m above sea level in the Grassland and Savanna biomes. Specimens have been collected using pitfall traps.

Description

Female Cydrela spinifrons have a total length of 11 mm. The carapace and appendages are pale yellowish-brown. The opisthosoma is blackish-brown with distinctive pale markings including a shallow Λ-shaped band arranged transversely in the middle portion, followed by four somewhat indistinct transverse stripes. Laterally and inferiorly in the posterior half of the opisthosoma is a pale broad band that connects with the Λ-shaped mark on the dorsal surface and unites posteriorly just in front of the vent.

Conservation

The species is listed as Least Concern by the South [African National Biodiversity Institute] due to its wide distribution. Although only known from females, it has a sufficiently broad geographical range. It is protected in five protected areas including Blouberg Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, and Benfontein Game Reserve.