Xerophaeus maritimus


Xerophaeus maritimus is a species of spider in the family Gnaphosidae. It is endemic to South Africa.

Distribution

Xerophaeus maritimus is endemic to KwaZulu-Natal.

Habitat and ecology

The species inhabits the Savanna biome at altitudes ranging from 42 to 405 m above sea level. Xerophaeus maritimus are free-living ground dwellers.

Conservation

Xerophaeus maritimus is listed as Data Deficient for taxonomic reasons. The species is protected in Ophathe Game Reserve and uMkhuze Game Reserve. More sampling is needed to collect males and to more accurately determine the species' range.

Taxonomy

The species was originally described by R. F. Lawrence in 1938 from Umhlali, KwaZulu-Natal. The species has not been revised and is known only from the female.