Scytodes clavata

Scytodes clavata is a species of spider in the family Scytodidae.^[2] It is commonly known as the Congo spitting spider and is found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Africa.^[3]

Congo Spitting Spider
Conservation status
Least Concern (SANBI Red List)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Chelicerata
Class:	Arachnida
Order:	Araneae
Infraorder:	Araneomorphae
Family:	Scytodidae
Genus:	Scytodes
Species:	S. clavata
Binomial name
Scytodes clavata Benoit, 1965[1]

Distribution

Scytodes clavata is known from two countries in Africa. In South Africa, it is recorded from two provinces: KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo. The species is found at elevations ranging from 804 to 2,254 m above sea level.^[3]

Habitat and ecology

Scytodes clavata are wandering spiders commonly collected from under stones and in dark places on the soil surface in the Savanna biome.^[3]

Description

See also: Glossary of spider terms

The carapace is strongly domed and decorated with particular strong setae inserted on small promontories. These setae feel arched forward and their end is truncated.^[3]

Conservation

Scytodes clavata is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Although the species is presently known only from one sex, it has a wide geographical range. There are no significant threats to the species. It is protected in three protected areas, Blouberg Nature Reserve, Lhuvhondo Nature Reserve, and Thatevondo State Forest.^[3]

Taxonomy

The species has not been revised and is known only from the female. An undescribed male has been collected from the Midlands.^[3]