Hortipes luytenae

Hortipes luytenae is a species of spider in the family Corinnidae. It is endemic to South Africa. It is the type species of the genus Hortipes.

Distribution

Hortipes luytenae is endemic to KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. It is known only from the type locality at Ngome State Forest.

Habitat and ecology

The species inhabits the Savanna biome at 1,044 m above sea level. It is strongly associated with leaf litter in forest habitats, specifically Southern Mistbelt Forest. The species appears to be quite common locally, with over 170 specimens collected from pitfall traps at the type locality.

Description

Hortipes luytenae is known from both sexes.

Conservation

Hortipes luytenae is listed as Data Deficient. More sampling is needed to determine the species' range beyond the type locality. The species is protected in a state forest and faces no known threats.