Moggridgea teresae

Moggridgea teresae is a species of spider in the family Migidae. It is endemic to the Western Cape province of South Africa and is commonly known as Teresa's tree trapdoor spider.

Distribution

Moggridgea teresae is known from several localities on Table Mountain, including Table [Mountain National Park] and Kirstenbosch National [Botanical Garden].

Habitat

The species occurs at altitudes ranging from 9 to 991 m above sea level.

Description

Moggridgea teresae is known from both sexes.

Ecology

Moggridgea teresae constructs arboreal oval to pear-shaped nests with a single, oval door in crevices on the bark of fallen logs. The holotype female was collected from a nest on the trunk of a fallen Virgilia ''oroboides'' tree. The nests are thoroughly camouflaged with bark and soil.

Conservation

Moggridgea teresae is listed as Rare due to its small restricted distribution range. The species is threatened by urbanization around Cape Town, although it is protected in Table Mountain National Park.

Taxonomy

The species was described by Charles E. Griswold in 1987 from Skeleton Gorge forest at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. It is one of the few Moggridgea species known from both sexes.