Xerophaeus matroosbergensis

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Matroosberg Mouse Ground Spider
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Gnaphosidae
Genus: Xerophaeus
Species:
X. matroosbergensis
Binomial name
Xerophaeus matroosbergensis
Tucker, 1923 [1]

Xerophaeus matroosbergensis is a species of spider in the family Gnaphosidae. [2] It is endemic to South Africa and is commonly known as the Matroosberg mouse ground spider. [3]

Contents

Distribution

Xerophaeus matroosbergensis is recorded from two South African provinces: the Eastern Cape and Western Cape. [3]

Habitat and ecology

The species inhabits Fynbos and Nama Karoo biomes at altitudes ranging from 136 to 1287 m above sea level. Xerophaeus matroosbergensis are free-living ground dwellers. [3]

Description

Conservation

Xerophaeus matroosbergensis is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide range. The species is protected in Swartberg Nature Reserve and Goukamma Nature Reserve. There are no significant threats. [3]

Taxonomy

The species was originally described by Tucker in 1923 from Matroosberg Mountains near Ceres. The species has not been revised and is known only from the female. [3]

References

  1. Tucker, R.W.E. (1923). "The Drassidae of South Africa". Annals of the South African Museum. 19 (2): 251–437.
  2. "Xerophaeus matroosbergensis Tucker, 1923". World Spider Catalog.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Dippenaar-Schoeman, A.S.; Haddad, C.R.; Foord, S.H.; Lotz, L.N. (2021). The Gnaphosidae of South Africa. Part 3 (T-X). South African National Survey of Arachnida Photo Identification Guide. p. 52. Creative Commons by small.svg  This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.