Austrachelas natalensis
| 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]
Distribution
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]
Habitat
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]
Description
Both sexes are known. The opisthosoma displays cream chevron markings.[2]
Conservation
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]
References
- ^ "Austrachelas natalensis Lawrence, 1942". World Spider Catalog. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
- ^ a b c d Dippenaar-Schoeman, A.S.; Haddad, C.R.; Mbo, Z.; Foord, S.H.; Lotz, L.N. (2020). The Gallieniellidae of South Africa (Report). South African National Survey of Arachnida Photo Identification Guide. pp. 1–37. doi:10.5281/zenodo.14065070. This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.