| Natal Long-Jawed Ground Spider | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Gallieniellidae |
| Genus: | Austrachelas |
| Species: | A. natalensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Austrachelas natalensis Lawrence, 1942 | |
Austrachelas natalensis is a species of spider in the family Gallieniellidae. It is endemic to South Africa. [1]
Austrachelas natalensis is endemic to KwaZulu-Natal province, occurring in both the midlands and coastal regions at elevations ranging from 80–2892 m above sea level. Known localities include Durban, Estcourt, La Mercy, Pietermaritzburg, Sani Pass, Shongweni Dam and Game Reserve, and Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve. [2]
The species is sampled with pitfall traps and litter sifting from Grassland, Indian Ocean Coastal Belt, and Savanna biomes. It is adaptable to habitat alterations and can survive in agroecosystems. [2]
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Both sexes are known. The opisthosoma displays cream chevron markings. [2]
Austrachelas natalensis is listed as Least Concern. Despite having a restricted distribution, the species can survive habitat alteration and occurs in agroecosystems. It is protected in Shongweni Dam and Game Reserve and Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve. [2]
This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.