| Malawi Igloo spider | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Zodariidae |
| Genus: | Diores |
| Species: | D. simplicior |
| Binomial name | |
| Diores simplicior Jocqué, 1990 [1] | |
Diores simplicior is a species of spider in the family Zodariidae. [2] It occurs in Africa and is commonly known as the Malawi Igloo spider. [3]
Diores simplicior is found in Malawi and South Africa. [2] In South Africa, it has been recorded from KwaZulu-Natal where it is protected in uMkhuze Game Reserve within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. [3]
The species inhabits the Savanna biome at altitudes ranging from 36 to 54 metres above sea level. [3]
Both males and females of Diores simplicior have a total length of 3.78 mm. The carapace and chelicerae are yellowish-orange, with the carapace being suffused with black in the eye region and on the clypeus. There is a broad dark patch in front of the fovea with four striae radiating forwards. The sternum is pale yellow. The opisthosoma is dark sepia with a median row of pale blotches, with the posterior ones anastomosing to form a broad line in front of the spinnerets. The inferior part of the sides and venter are pale, except for a dark W-shape in front of the spinnerets. [1]
Diores simplicior are free-living ground-dwellers that construct igloo-shaped retreats with small stones, characteristic behavior of the genus Diores . [3]
The species is listed as Least Concern due to its wide global range. [3]
This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.