Episinus bishopi

Episinus bishopi is a species of spider in the family Theridiidae. It is commonly known as the Congo butterfly comb-foot spider.

Distribution

Episinus bishopi is found in Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Africa.
In South Africa, it is recorded from the provinces Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape. Locations include Addo Elephant National Park, Wyndford Guest Farm in Fouriesburg, Wakefield Farm, Baynesfield in the Natal Midlands, and Windmeul in Ridgeback Paarl.

Habitat and ecology

The spiders were found at ground level between low vegetation from the Grassland, Fynbos, and Thicket biomes at altitudes ranging from 233 to 1645 m.

Conservation

Episinus bishopi is listed as Least Concern by the South [African National Biodiversity Institute]. Although the species is presently known only from one sex, it has a wide geographical range. There are no significant threats to this species. It is protected in Addo National Park.

Taxonomy

Episinus bishopi was originally described by Lessert in 1929 as Episinopsis bishopi from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species is known only from the male.