Zelotes florisbad


Zelotes florisbad is a species of spider in the family Gnaphosidae. It is commonly known as the Florisbad dark ground spider.

Distribution

Zelotes florisbad is endemic to South Africa. It has been recorded from Free State, Northern Cape, and Western Cape, at altitudes ranging from 718 to 2,329 m above sea level.
The species was originally described from Florisbad in the Free State. Other notable locations include Cederberg Wilderness Area, Platberg Nature Reserve, and Rooipoort Nature Reserve.

Habitat and ecology

The species inhabits the Grassland and Nama Karoo biomes. These are free-running ground spiders that are found under stones during the day.

Conservation

Zelotes florisbad is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide geographic range. There are no significant threats to the species and it is protected in Platberg Nature Reserve, Kalkfonteindam Nature Reserve, Rooipoort Nature Reserve, and Cederberg Wilderness Area.

Taxonomy

The species was described by FitzPatrick in 2007 from Florisbad in the Free State. It is known only from the male.