Diores russelli

Diores russelli is a species of spider in the family Zodariidae. It occurs in southern Africa and is commonly known as Russell's Igloo spider.

Distribution

Diores russelli is found in Botswana and South Africa. In South Africa, it has been recorded from the Free State province at Wyndford Guest Farm near Fouriesburg.

Habitat

The species inhabits the Grassland biome at approximately 1601 metres above sea level.

Description

Males of Diores russelli have a total length of 3.17 mm, while females measure 4.29 mm. The carapace is yellow with a black eye field and is slightly suffused with grey on the clypeus. The sternum is pale yellow, and the chelicerae and legs are yellow. The opisthosoma is pale sepia with a pale yellow scutum in the anterior half of the dorsum, followed by two sepia longitudinal bands with sinuous edges. Females have similar coloration but lack the dorsal scutum.

Ecology

Diores russelli are free-living ground-dwellers that construct the characteristic igloo-shaped retreats typical of the genus Diores.

Conservation

The species is listed as Least Concern due to its wide geographical range in southern Africa.