| Termite Thaumastochilus zodariid spider | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification   | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia | 
| Phylum: | Arthropoda | 
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata | 
| Class: | Arachnida | 
| Order: | Araneae | 
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae | 
| Family: | Zodariidae | 
| Genus: | Thaumastochilus | 
| Species: | T. termitomimus | 
| Binomial name | |
| Thaumastochilus termitomimus Jocqué, 1994 [1]  | |
Thaumastochilus termitomimus is a species of spider in the family Zodariidae. [2] It is endemic to South Africa. Unlike other members of this genus, which mimic ants, this species mimics termites. It is commonly known as the Termite Thaumastochilus zodariid spider. [3]
The species name "termitomimus" refers to the resemblance of these spiders to termites, particularly the juvenile and subadult stages which show a habitus remarkably similar to Isoptera. [3]
Thaumastochilus termitomimus is found in two provinces: Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, with records from Kameeldrift, Mkuzi Game Reserve, and Pongola. [3]
The species inhabits the Savanna biome at altitudes ranging from 83 to 1,246 m above sea level. [3]
Both sexes of Thaumastochilus termitomimus are known. Males range from 4.48 to 5.76 mm in total length with a uniform dark reddish brown carapace, chelicerae, and anterior legs, all thinly clothed with silvery hairs. Females reach 6.27 mm in total length with a brownish yellow carapace and creamy white abdomen bearing a faint darker central pattern. [1]
Thaumastochilus termitomimus are termite mimics that live on trees where they construct silken retreats. The type specimens were found on Acacia tortilis , with some specimens found in silk retreats under bark. They appear to live primarily arboreal lifestyles away from soil. [3]
The species is listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN. Despite being known from a small area, more sampling is needed to determine its full range. [3]
 This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.
  This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.