Oxyopes castaneus


Oxyopes castaneus is a species of spider in the family Oxyopidae. It is commonly known as Lawrence's lynx spider.

Distribution

Oxyopes castaneus occurs in Namibia and South Africa. In South Africa, the species is known only from a single locality in KwaZulu-Natal at 42 m above sea level.

Habitat and ecology

The species has been found on grasses within the Savanna biome. Due to the limited collection data, more sampling is needed to fully understand its ecological preferences and distribution range.

Description

Oxyopes castaneus is known only from males.

Conservation

Oxyopes castaneus is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Despite being known from only one sex and having a limited known range, the large distance between collection locations suggests the species may be under-collected. It is protected in Ndumo Game Reserve.