Austrachelas merwei is a species of spider in the family Gallieniellidae. It is endemic to South Africa.
Distribution Austrachelas merwei is endemic to KwaZulu-Natal province and is known only from Ngome State Forest at an elevation of 1,000 m above sea level.
Habitat During surveys in Ngome State Forest, 37 specimens were collected in pitfall traps in dense forest areas.
Description
Both sexes are known. The opisthosoma displays mottled grey chevron markings and lacks a ventral scutum.
Conservation Austrachelas merwei is listed as Data Deficient. While protected in Ngome State Forest, the species appears to have a restricted distribution and additional sampling is needed to determine its range.
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