Meotipa pulcherrima
(Mello-Leitão, 1917)
Meotipa pulcherrima is a cobweb spider ( Theridiidae) native to Tropical Africa that has established across multiple continents through human-mediated introduction. The occupies savanna and thicket biomes at moderate elevations and constructs tangled webs in vegetation. It is listed as Least Concern in South Africa due to its broad distribution.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Meotipa pulcherrima: /me.oˈti.pa pulˈkɛr.rɪ.ma/
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Habitat
Inhabits savanna and thicket biomes at elevations between 416 and 496 meters above sea level. Constructs tangled webs associated with vegetation.
Distribution
Native to Tropical Africa; introduced and established in the Americas, Papua New Guinea, China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia (New Guinea), and Pacific Islands. In South Africa, recorded from Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, including Addo Elephant National Park and Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve.
Human Relevance
Listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to wide geographical range. Receives protection in Addo Elephant National Park and Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve.