Psammoduon arenicola
| Cape Psammoduon zodariid spider | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Zodariidae |
| Genus: | Psammoduon |
| Species: | P. arenicola
|
| Binomial name | |
| Psammoduon arenicola | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Psammoduon arenicola is a species of spider in the family Zodariidae.[2] It is endemic to the Western Cape province of South Africa and is commonly known as the Cape Psammoduon zodariid spider.[3]
Distribution
Psammoduon arenicola is found in the Western Cape, primarily on the Cape Peninsula. Known localities include Hout Bay, Kleinmond, Kommetjie, Mamre, Muizenberg, Simonstown, Robben Island, Cederberg Wilderness Area, and Yzerfontein.[3]
Habitat
The species inhabits the Fynbos biome at altitudes ranging from 6 to 479 m above sea level.[3]
Description
Psammoduon arenicola exhibits sexual dimorphism in size. Females reach 8.66 mm in total length with a medium brown carapace bearing two broad lateral bands and a narrow black margin. The abdomen displays an intricate dorsal pattern of black, white and brown hairs. Males are smaller at 6.5 mm total length with a dark reddish brown carapace and slightly paler median band.[4]
Ecology
Psammoduon arenicola are ground-dwelling spiders capable of diving into loose sand. They inhabit sandy areas within the Fynbos biome.[3]
Conservation
The species is listed as Vulnerable by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its small distribution range. It receives protection in the Cederberg Wilderness Area.[3]
References
- ^ Simon, E. (1910). "Arachnoidea: Araneae (II.)". Denkschriften der Medizinisch-Naturwissenschaftlichen Gesellschaft zu Jena. 16: 186.
- ^ "Psammoduon arenicola (Simon, 1910)". World Spider Catalog. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Dippenaar-Schoeman, A.S.; Jocqué, R.; Haddad, C.R.; Foord, S.H.; Lotz, L.N. (2024). The Zodariidae of South Africa. Part 2 (H-T) version 1. South African National Survey of Arachnida Photo Identification Guide. p. 27. doi:10.5281/zenodo.14568995. Retrieved 20 September 2025. This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.
- ^ Jocqué, R. (1991). "A revision of the spider genera Caesetius and Psammoduon (Araneae, Zodariidae)". Cimbebasia. 12: 95.