Stasimopus minor
| Stasimopus minor | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Stasimopidae |
| Genus: | Stasimopus |
| Species: | S. minor
|
| Binomial name | |
| Stasimopus minor Hewitt, 1915[1]
| |
Stasimopus minor is a species of spider in the family Stasimopidae.[2] It is endemic to South Africa.[3]
Etymology
The species name minor refers to the small size of this spider species.
Distribution
Stasimopus minor is endemic to the Free State province of South Africa. It is found at Bloemfontein, Amanzi Private Game Reserve, Mpetsane Conservation Estate near Clocolan, and the National Botanical Garden. The species occurs at altitudes ranging from 1357 to 1663 m above sea level.[3]
Habitat and ecology
The species inhabits the Grassland biome. Stasimopus minor is a ground dweller that constructs silk-lined burrows closed with a cork-lid trapdoor. Research by Neethling & Haddad (2019) found that 25 specimens were sampled over a period of 10 months from the Free State National Botanical Garden. Average maximum daily temperature had a significant effect on the activity pattern of the species. It was only active in autumn, from mid-March to the end of May, when the study ended.[3]
Description
Conservation
Stasimopus minor is listed as Data Deficient for taxonomic reasons. The status of the species remains obscure, and more sampling is needed to collect females and determine the species' full range. It is protected in Amanzi Private Game Reserve, Free State National Botanical Garden, and Mpetsane Conservation Estate.[3]
Taxonomy
The species was originally described by Hewitt in 1915 from Bloemfontein. It has not been revised since its original description and remains known only from male specimens. The female has been collected but not yet described.[3]
References
- ^ Hewitt, J. (1915). "New South African Arachnida". Annals of the Natal Museum. 3: 289–327. doi:10.5962/bhl.part.7433.
- ^ "Stasimopus minor Hewitt, 1915". World Spider Catalog. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Dippenaar-Schoeman, A.S.; Haddad, C.R.; Foord, S.H.; Lotz, L.N. (2021). The Stasimopidae of South Africa. Version 1. South African National Survey of Arachnida Photo Identification Guide. p. 28. doi:10.5281/zenodo.7162178. Retrieved 24 September 2025. This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.