Episinus marignaci

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

Distribution

Episinus marignaci is found in Angola and South Africa.
In South Africa, it is recorded from three provinces: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo. Locations include Addo Elephant National Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, and Mphaphuli Cycad Reserve.

Description

Habitat and ecology

These spiders have been found at ground level in low vegetation. This species has been sampled from the Savanna and Thicket biomes at altitudes ranging from 83 to 586 m.

Conservation

Episinus marignaci is listed as Least Concern by the South [African National Biodiversity Institute] due to its wide geographical range. There are no significant threats to this species. It is protected in Addo Elephant National Park, uMkhuze Game Reserve, and Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve.

Taxonomy

Episinus marignaci was originally described by Lessert in 1933 as Episinopsis marignaci from Angola. The species is known only from the female. The two species E. marignaci and E. bilineatus can easily be confused and need to be re-examined and described.