Diores simplicior

Diores simplicior is a species of spider in the family Zodariidae. It occurs in Africa and is commonly known as the Malawi Igloo spider.

Distribution

Diores simplicior is found in Malawi and South Africa. In South Africa, it has been recorded from KwaZulu-Natal where it is protected in uMkhuze Game Reserve within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Habitat

The species inhabits the Savanna biome at altitudes ranging from 36 to 54 metres above sea level.

Description

Both males and females of Diores simplicior have a total length of 3.78 mm. The carapace and chelicerae are yellowish-orange, with the carapace being suffused with black in the eye region and on the clypeus. There is a broad dark patch in front of the fovea with four striae radiating forwards. The sternum is pale yellow. The opisthosoma is dark sepia with a median row of pale blotches, with the posterior ones anastomosing to form a broad line in front of the spinnerets. The inferior part of the sides and venter are pale, except for a dark W-shape in front of the spinnerets.

Ecology

Diores simplicior 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 global range.