Copuetta erecta

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Dwarf tree lycosiform sac spider
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Corinnidae
Genus: Copuetta
Species:
C. erecta
Binomial name
Copuetta erecta
Haddad, 2013

Copuetta erecta is a species of spider in the family Corinnidae.[1] It occurs in Mozambique and South Africa and is commonly known as the dwarf tree lycosiform sac spider.[2]

Distribution

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Copuetta erecta is found in Mozambique and South Africa.[1][2] In South Africa, it has been recorded only from KwaZulu-Natal at altitudes ranging from 18 to 1,427 m above sea level.[2]

The species occurs in several protected areas including iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Ndumo Game Reserve, and Tembe Elephant Park.[2]

Habitat and ecology

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Copuetta erecta is a free-living spider found from ground level to the tree canopy.[2] It has been collected by sifting leaf litter, beating vegetation, and canopy fogging in closed-canopied coastal dune forests, riverine forests, and savanna habitats.[2] The species inhabits the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt and Savanna biomes.[2]

Description

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See also: Glossary of spider terms

Copuetta erecta is known from both sexes.[2] As a member of genus Copuetta, it is a medium-sized spider with a smooth carapace featuring black feathery setae forming distinct markings.[2]

Conservation

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Copuetta erecta is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide geographical range. The species faces no significant threats and is recorded from several protected areas.[2]

Taxonomy

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The species was described by Charles R. Haddad in 2013 from Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Copuetta erecta Haddad, 2013". World Spider Catalog. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k 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. 25. doi:10.5281/zenodo.8300753. Retrieved 22 September 2025. This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.