Caesetius flavoplagiatus

Northern Cape Caesetius Zodariid spider
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Zodariidae
Genus: Caesetius
Species:
C. flavoplagiatus
Binomial name
Caesetius flavoplagiatus
Simon, 1910[1]

Caesetius flavoplagiatus is a species of spider in the family Zodariidae.[2] It occurs in southern Africa and is commonly known as the Northern Cape Caesetius Zodariid spider.[3]

Distribution

Caesetius flavoplagiatus occurs in Namibia and South Africa. In South Africa, it has been recorded from the Northern Cape province, including localities such as Steinkopf, Augrabies National Park, Richtersveld National Park, and Tswalu Game Reserve.[3]

Habitat

The species inhabits multiple biomes including Desert, Succulent Karoo, Nama Karoo, and Savanna biomes at altitudes ranging from 250 to 1155 m above sea level.[3]

Description

Both males and females are known for this species. The carapace is medium brown and sparsely covered with fine silvery hairs, with few dark hairs between the fovea and eyes. The chelicerae are medium brown, while the sternum and legs are pale brown. The opisthosoma displays a distinctive black and white pattern on the dorsum, with a pale spot in front followed by a narrower line and a patch in front of the spinnerets.[3]

Ecology

Caesetius flavoplagiatus are free-living ground-dwellers.[3]

Conservation

The species is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide geographical range. It is protected in Richtersveld National Park and Tswalu Game Reserve.[3]

References

  1. ^ Simon, E. (1910). "Arachnoidea: Araneae (II.)". Denkschriften der Medizinisch-Naturwissenschaftlichen Gesellschaft zu Jena. 16: 175–218.
  2. ^ "Caesetius flavoplagiatus Simon, 1910". World Spider Catalog. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Dippenaar-Schoeman, A.S.; Jocqué, R.; Haddad, C.R.; Foord, S.H.; Lotz, L.N. (2024). The Zodariidae of South Africa. Part 1 (A-D) version 1. South African National Survey of Arachnida Photo Identification Guide. p. 20. doi:10.5281/zenodo.14404920. Retrieved 20 September 2025. This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.