Phrynarachne rugosa

Phrynarachne rugosa is a species of spider in the family Thomisidae. It is found in Africa and nearby islands and is commonly known as bird-dung crab spider.

Distribution

Phrynarachne rugosa is found in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Réunion.
In South Africa, the species is known from KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Localities include Richards Bay, Ndumo Game Reserve, De Hoop Nature Reserve, and Knysna Diepwalle Reserve.

Habitat and ecology

Phrynarachne rugosa inhabits the Fynbos, Forest, and Savanna biomes at altitudes ranging from 15 to 47 m.
These spiders are free-living on plants, and are found on the surface of leaves.

Conservation

Phrynarachne rugosa is listed as Least Concern due to its wide geographical range. The species is recorded in three reserves including Ndumo Game Reserve, De Hoop Nature Reserve, and Knysna and Diepwalle Forest Reserves.

Taxonomy

The species was originally described in 1804 as Thomisus rugosus from Réunion. Both sexes are known.