Diores simoni


Diores simoni is a species of spider in the family Zodariidae. It is endemic to the Western Cape province of South Africa and is commonly known as Simon's Igloo spider.

Distribution

Diores simoni is known from various localities in the Western Cape, including the Cape Peninsula, De Hoop Nature Reserve, and Tsitsikamma National Park.

Habitat

The species inhabits the Forest and Fynbos biomes at altitudes ranging from 15 to 1346 metres above sea level. It has also been collected in pitfall traps from vineyards.

Description

Males of Diores simoni have a total length of 3.28 mm, while females measure 3.98 mm. The carapace and chelicerae are greyish-yellow, while the sternum and legs are pale yellow. The dorsum of the opisthosoma is sepia with a pale brown scutum in the middle in males. Females have similar coloration but the dark dorsal area of the abdomen extends around the spinnerets.

Ecology

Diores simoni 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 due to its wide geographical range. It is conserved in five protected areas.