Microstigmata longipes

Microstigmata longipes is a species of spider in the family Microstigmatidae. It is endemic to South Africa and is commonly known as the Natal micro-mygalomorph spider.

Distribution

Microstigmata longipes is endemic to South Africa, with a widespread distribution throughout KwaZulu-Natal and extending into the Eastern Cape. The species has been recorded from numerous localities.

Habitat and ecology

The species is a ground-dwelling spider that appears to be restricted to conditions of high humidity and relatively even temperature as found in the understory and litter layer of indigenous forest and close-canopy bush. Microstigmata longipes has also been sampled by splitting open damp, rotting logs. From surveys at the Ngome State Forest near Vryheid, M. longipes was more active in indigenous forest compared to pine plantations. The species is active throughout the year with the lowest numbers recorded in winter, with males peaking in November. It has been sampled from the Forest, Savanna, and Indian Ocean Coastal Belt biomes at altitudes ranging from 5 to 2,785 m above sea level.

Description

Microstigmata longipes is known from both sexes.

Conservation

Microstigmata longipes is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Although habitat has been lost to afforestation, crop cultivation and deforestation, this species is relatively resilient and can occur in marginal and transformed habitats. There are no known threats to the species.

Taxonomy

Microstigmata longipes was originally described by Reginald Frederick Lawrence in 1938 as Microstigma longipes from the Umkomaas Valley in KwaZulu-Natal. The species was subsequently revised by Griswold in 1985.