Scotophaeus natalensis

Scotophaeus natalensis is a species of spider in the family Gnaphosidae. It is found in southern Africa and is commonly known as Natal golden ground spider.

Distribution

Scotophaeus natalensis is found in Zimbabwe and South Africa. In South Africa, it is recorded from two provinces: Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. Notable locations include Wyndford Guest Farm, Umhlali, Sani Pass, and Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve.

Habitat and ecology

The species is a free-living ground dweller found at altitudes ranging from 43 to 1,989 m above sea level. It has been sampled from the Savanna biome.

Conservation

Scotophaeus natalensis is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide geographical range. The species is protected in the Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve.

Etymology

The species name natalensis refers to the former Natal region where it was originally discovered.

Taxonomy

The species was originally described by Reginald Frederick Lawrence in 1938 from Umhlali, KwaZulu-Natal. It is currently known only from female specimens.