Copuetta lotzi
| Lotz's tree lycosiform sac spider | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Corinnidae |
| Genus: | Copuetta |
| Species: | C. lotzi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Copuetta lotzi Haddad, 2013
| |
Copuetta lotzi is a species of spider in the family Corinnidae.[1] It is endemic to South Africa and is commonly known as Lotz's tree lycosiform sac spider.[2]
Etymology
The species is named after South African arachnologist Leon N. Lotz.
Distribution
Copuetta lotzi is endemic to South Africa and has been recorded from four provinces: Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Western Cape.[2] The species occurs at altitudes ranging from 613 to 1,601 m above sea level.[2]
The species is protected in four protected areas including Benfontein Game Reserve, Free State National Botanical Gardens, Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve, and Anysberg Nature Reserve.[2]
Habitat and ecology
Copuetta lotzi is a ground-dwelling spider occurring in the more arid Grassland and Nama Karoo biomes of South Africa.[2] It has been collected using pitfall traps and found under bark and rocks, as well as inside abandoned Trinervitermes trinervoides termite mounds.[2] The species is occasionally found in houses, but not as frequently as C. lacustris.[2]
Description
Copuetta lotzi is known from both sexes.[2] Like other members of its genus, it is a medium to large spider with a smooth carapace featuring black feathery setae forming different markings.[2]
Conservation
Copuetta lotzi is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide geographical range.[2] The species faces no significant threats and is recorded from several protected areas.[2]
Taxonomy
The species was described by Charles R. Haddad in 2013 from Bloemfontein in the Free State.[2]
References
- ^ "Copuetta lotzi Haddad, 2013". World Spider Catalog. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Haddad, C.R.; Dippenaar-Schoeman, A.S.; Foord, S.H.; Lotz, L.N. (2023). The Corinnidae of South Africa. Version 1. South African National Survey of Arachnida Photo Identification Guide. p. 28. doi:10.5281/zenodo.8300753. Retrieved 22 September 2025. This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.