Scytodes trifoliata

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

Distribution

Scytodes trifoliata is found in three South African provinces, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Mpumalanga.

Habitat and ecology

The species inhabits the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt, Savanna and Thicket biomes at altitudes ranging from 52 to 197 m above sea level. It is a wandering spider commonly collected from under stones and dark places on the soil surface.

Conservation

Scytodes trifoliata is listed as Least Concern by the South [African National Biodiversity Institute]. Although the species is known only from females, it has a wide geographical range. The species is protected in two protected areas Cwebe Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park.

Taxonomy

The species has not been revised and is known only from females.