Theridion delicatum

Theridion delicatum is a species of spider in the family Theridiidae. It is found in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and is commonly known as the Constantia Theridion comb-feet spider.

Distribution

Theridion delicatum is found in Zimbabwe and South Africa. In South Africa it is known from the Eastern Cape and Western Cape.

Habitat and ecology

This species builds a conical retreat of twigs and leaves in its three-dimensional web. It has been recorded from the Fynbos and Savanna biomes at altitudes ranging from 15 to 64 m.

Description

The abdomen is large, almost globular, dull orange yellow marked faintly with a white longitudinal central line with two to three slightly oblique lines on each side. The lines on the abdomen are formed by minute white spots.

Conservation

Theridion delicatum is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Although only known from one sex, this species has a large distribution and is therefore not considered threatened. It is protected in De Hoop Nature Reserve.

Taxonomy

Theridion delicatum was described by Octavius Pickard-Cambridge in 1904 from Constantia Flats in the Western Cape. The species has not been revised and is known only from the female.