Diores radulifer


Diores radulifer is a species of spider in the family Zodariidae. It occurs in southern Africa and is commonly known as the Steinkopf Igloo spider.

Distribution

Diores radulifer is found in South Africa and Namibia. In South Africa, it is known from the Northern Cape province, including Steinkopf where it was originally described.

Habitat

The species inhabits the Desert and Succulent Karoo biomes at altitudes ranging from 250 to 1169 metres above sea level.

Description

Males of Diores radulifer have a total length of 4.08 mm, while females range from 4 to 7 mm. The carapace, chelicerae, and legs are brownish-yellow, with the sternum being pale yellow.
Males have a pale dorsal scutum flanked by narrow dark lateral stripes, with the remainder of the opisthosoma being yellow. Females have a yellowish-orange carapace and chelicerae, yellow legs and sternum, and the abdomen dorsally shows two large black longitudinal bands with sinuous margins.

Ecology

Diores radulifer are free-living ground-dwellers that construct igloo-shaped retreats with small stones, characteristic behavior of the genus Diores.

Conservation

The species is listed as Least Concern. Despite having a restricted distribution in South Africa, extensive areas of natural habitat remain within its range and it faces no threats. It is protected in Richtersveld National Park and Namaqua National Park.