Dresserus tripartitus


Dresserus tripartitus is a species of spider in the family Eresidae. It is endemic to South Africa.

Etymology

The species name tripartitus refers to the three-part structure of the cribellum, derived from Latin tri and partitus.

Distribution

Dresserus tripartitus is endemic to the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The species is known only from the type locality of Pietermaritzburg.

Habitat and ecology

The species is rare and found in retreat webs in the Savanna biome. It inhabits areas at an altitude of 647 m above sea level.

Description

Dresserus tripartitus is known only from females. The opisthosoma is pale fawn in colour.

Conservation

Dresserus tripartitus is listed as Data Deficient due to taxonomic reasons. The species has a very restricted range. The status remains obscure as males have not been collected, and more sampling is needed to determine the species' range.

Taxonomy

The species was originally described by Reginald Frederick Lawrence in 1938 from Pietermaritzburg. It has not been revised since its original description and remains known only from the female sex.