Diores triarmatus
Diores triarmatus is a species of spider in the family Zodariidae. It occurs in Africa and is commonly known as the Congo Igloo spider.
Distribution
Diores triarmatus is found in Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and Zambia. In South Africa, it has been recorded from three provinces: Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.
Habitat
The species inhabits the Savanna biome at altitudes ranging from 275 to 1124 m above sea level.
Description
Males of Diores triarmatus have a total length of 4.87 mm, while females are larger at 5.62 mm. The carapace, chelicerae, and legs are yellowish-orange, with the sternum being yellow. Males have a dark sepia scutum on the opisthosoma. Females have similar carapace coloration but lack the scutum, instead having a pale dorsal pattern on a dark background. The sides are sepia with an oblique pale patch, and the venter is pale.
Ecology
Diores triarmatus 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 range across Africa. It is protected in Tswaing Nature Reserve, Ben Lavin Nature Reserve, and Kruger National Park.