Hypsosinga lithyphantoides

Hypsosinga lithyphantoides is a species of spider in the family Araneidae,found from Uganda to South Africa.^[2] It is commonly known as the false pyjama spider.^[3]

False Pyjama Spider
Conservation status
Least Concern (SANBI Red List)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Chelicerata
Class:	Arachnida
Order:	Araneae
Infraorder:	Araneomorphae
Family:	Araneidae
Genus:	Hypsosinga
Species:	H. lithyphantoides
Binomial name
Hypsosinga lithyphantoides Caporiacco, 1947[1]
Synonyms
Hyposinga lithyphantoides Caporiacco, 1947

Distribution

Hypsosinga lithyphantoides is known from Kenya, Uganda and South Africa.^[3] In South Africa, the species has been collected from five provinces across a large geographical range at altitudes from 1 to 1,593 m above sea level.^[3]

The South African distribution includes Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga provinces. Notable localities include Mkhambathi Nature Reserve, Amanzi Private Game Reserve, Bloemfontein Free State National Botanical Garden, iSimangaliso Wetland park, Ndumo Game Reserve, Blouberg Nature Reserve, and Kruger National Park.^[3]

Habitat and ecology

Hypsosinga lithyphantoides constructs a complete orb-web sometimes with a retreat. The species is sampled mainly by sweep-netting grasses and herbs from the Grassland, Indian Ocean Coastal Belt and Savanna biomes. The species has also been recorded from citrus orchards and potato fields.^[3]

Description

See also: Glossary of spider terms

Conservation

Hypsosinga lithyphantoides is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute because of its wide geographical range.^[3] No conservation actions are recommended. The species is protected in more than 15 protected areas including Mkhambathi Nature Reserve, Amanzi Private Game Reserve, Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve, Ndumo Game Reserve, and Blouberg Nature Reserve.^[3]

Taxonomy

H. lithyphantoides is known from both sexes.^[3]