Biology:Spiroctenus coeruleus
| Pietermaritzburg Spiroctenus Trapdoor Spider | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Bemmeridae |
| Genus: | Spiroctenus |
| Species: | S. coeruleus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Spiroctenus coeruleus Lawrence, 1952
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Spiroctenus coeruleus is a species of spider in the family Bemmeridae. It is endemic to KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.[1]
Distribution
Spiroctenus coeruleus has been recorded from Pietermaritzburg and Ndumo Game Reserve.[2]
Habitat
The species inhabits the Savanna Biome as a ground-dwelling burrow constructor.[2]
Description
Only males of Spiroctenus coeruleus are known to science.[3] The cephalothorax and appendages appear slate blue due to a fine coating of powdery substance. The opisthosoma is pale brown above with small symmetrical darker markings, and yellow-brown below. The total length is 15 millimeters.[3]
Conservation
The species is listed as Data Deficient for taxonomic reasons, as females remain unknown and the full species range requires further study.[2]
References
- ↑ "Spiroctenus coeruleus Lawrence, 1952". World Spider Catalog. http://www.wsc.nmbe.ch/species/22343. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Dippenaar-Schoeman, A.S.; Haddad, C.R.; Foord, S.H.; Lotz, L.N. (2021). The Bemmeridae of South Africa. Version 1. South African National Survey of Arachnida Photo Identification Guide. Irene. pp. 1-41. doi:10.5281/zenodo.7810486.
This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lawrence, R.F. (1952). "New spiders from the eastern half of South Africa". Annals of the Natal Museum 12: 183-226.
Wikidata ☰ Q1950600 entry
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