Hirriusa bidentata

Hirriusa bidentata is a species of spider in the family Philodromidae. It is commonly known as the Northern Cape ground running spider.

Distribution

Hirriusa bidentata is known from Namibia and South Africa. In South Africa, it is recorded from four provinces including two protected areas, with an altitudinal range of 78-1587 m above sea level.

Habitat and ecology

The species are free-living ground dwellers. They were sampled from pitfall traps and are frequently associated with termites. The species has been sampled from the Grassland, Fynbos, Nama Karoo and Savanna biomes.

Conservation

Hirriusa bidentata is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide range. The species is protected in the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve and in several localities in the Cederberg Wilderness Area.

Etymology

The specific name means "two-toothed" in Latin.

Taxonomy

The species was originally described by Lawrence as Hirrius bidentatus from Namibia. The genus has not been revised and the species is known from both sexes.