Scytodes clavata

Scytodes clavata is a species of spider in the family Scytodidae. It is commonly known as the Congo spitting spider and is found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Africa.

Distribution

Scytodes clavata is known from two countries in Africa. In South Africa, it is recorded from two provinces: KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo. The species is found at elevations ranging from 804 to 2,254 m above sea level.

Habitat and ecology

Scytodes clavata are wandering spiders commonly collected from under stones and in dark places on the soil surface in the Savanna biome.

Description

The carapace is strongly domed and decorated with particular strong setae inserted on small promontories. These setae feel arched forward and their end is truncated.

Conservation

Scytodes clavata is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Although the species is presently known only from one sex, it has a wide geographical range. There are no significant threats to the species. It is protected in three protected areas, Blouberg Nature Reserve, Lhuvhondo Nature Reserve, and Thatevondo State Forest.

Taxonomy

The species has not been revised and is known only from the female. An undescribed male has been collected from the Midlands.