Xerophaeus biplagiatus

Xerophaeus biplagiatus is a species of spider in the family Gnaphosidae. It occurs in Africa and is commonly known as the East African mouse ground spider.

Distribution

Xerophaeus biplagiatus is recorded from East Africa and South Africa. In South Africa, it is known only from Gauteng.

Habitat and ecology

The species inhabits the Grassland and Savanna biomes at altitudes ranging from 1303 to 1444 m above sea level. Xerophaeus biplagiatus are free-living ground dwellers.

Conservation

Xerophaeus biplagiatus is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide range in Africa. There are no significant threats to the species, though more sampling is needed to collect males.

Taxonomy

The species was originally described by Tullgren in 1910 from East Africa. The species has not been revised and is known only from the female.