Oxyopes falconeri


Oxyopes falconeri is a species of spider in the family Oxyopidae. It is commonly known as the banded face lynx spider.

Distribution

Oxyopes falconeri occurs in Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. In South Africa, the species has been recorded from two provinces at altitudes ranging from 254 to 1,341 m above sea level.

Habitat and ecology

The species is commonly found on grasses in the Savanna biome. It appears to be well-established in the grassland habitats of the savanna regions.

Description

Oxyopes falconeri is known from both sexes. The species displays the typical lynx spider characteristics including long, slender legs with prominent spines and a characteristic tapering opisthosoma.

Conservation

Oxyopes falconeri is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide distribution across southern Africa. The species is protected in Blouberg Nature Reserve, Lhuvhondo Nature Reserve, and Kruger National Park.