Microstigmata amatola

Microstigmata amatola is a species of spider in the family Microstigmatidae.^[2] It is endemic to South Africa and is commonly known as the eastern Cape micro-mygalomorph spider.^[3]

Eastern Cape Micro-mygalomorph Spider
Conservation status
Invalid status (SANBI Red List)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Chelicerata
Class:	Arachnida
Order:	Araneae
Infraorder:	Mygalomorphae
Family:	Microstigmatidae
Genus:	Microstigmata
Species:	M. amatola
Binomial name
Microstigmata amatola Griswold, 1985[1]

Etymology

The species is named after the Amatola Mountains in the Eastern Cape, where it was first discovered.^[3]

Distribution

Microstigmata amatola is endemic to South Africa, with a very restricted distribution in the Eastern Cape province. The species is known from only two collection localities approximately 35 km apart: Hogsback in the Amatola Mountains and Stutterheim Kologha Forest.^[3]

Habitat and ecology

The species is a ground-dwelling wandering spider that appears to be restricted to conditions of high humidity and relatively even temperature as found in the understory and litter layer of indigenous forest and close-canopy bush. It has been sampled from the Forest biome at altitudes ranging from 1,052 to 1,372 m above sea level.^[3]

Description

See also: Glossary of spider terms

Microstigmata amatola is known from both sexes.^[3]

Conservation

Microstigmata amatola is listed as Rare by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its small restricted distribution range of less than 100 km². There are no known threats to the species currently.^[3]

Taxonomy

Microstigmata amatola was described by Charles Griswold in 1985 from specimens collected at Hogsback in the Amatola Mountains. The species is known from both sexes and belongs to the genus Microstigmata, which is the only representative of the family Microstigmatidae in South Africa.^[3]