Scytodes rubra

Scytodes rubra is a species of spider in the family Scytodidae. It is endemic to South Africa and is commonly known as the Zululand spitting spider.

Distribution

Scytodes rubra is found in two South African provinces, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Habitat and ecology

The species inhabits the Forest and Savanna biomes at altitudes ranging from 47 to 1102 m above sea level. It is a wandering spider commonly collected from under stones and dark places on the soil surface.

Description

Female Scytodes rubra has a distinctive coloration with the carapace, legs, sternum, coxae and mouthparts being reddish-brown. The carapace displays pattern markings with the lighter parts orange and the darker parts reddish-brown. The chelicerae are dark.

Conservation

Scytodes rubra is listed as Least Concern by the South [African National Biodiversity Institute] due to its wide geographical range. The species is protected in Ndumo Game Reserve, Ophathe Game Reserve, and Addo Elephant National Park.

Taxonomy

The species has not been revised and is known from both sexes. It has been illustrated.