Setaphis makalali


Setaphis makalali is a species of spider in the family Gnaphosidae. It is endemic to South Africa.

Distribution

Setaphis makalali is known only from Limpopo Province, specifically the Makalali [Nature Reserve].

Habitat and ecology

The species is a free-running ground dweller found at an altitude of 468 m above sea level. It has been sampled from the Savanna biome.

Conservation

Setaphis makalali is listed as Data Deficient by the South African National Biodiversity Institute as too little is known about the location, habitat and threats of this taxon for an assessment to be made. More sampling is needed to determine the species' range. The species is protected in the Makalali Nature Reserve.

Etymology

The species name makalali refers to the Makalali Nature Reserve where it was discovered.

Taxonomy

The species was described by FitzPatrick in 2005 from the Makalali Nature Reserve. It is known from both sexes.