Systenoplacis vandami is a species of spider from the Zodariidae family. It is endemic to South Africa and is commonly known as the Roodeplaat Systenoplacis zodariid spider.
Distribution Systenoplacis vandami has a wide distribution across the South African provinces Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, North West, and Northern Cape.
Habitat The species inhabits multiple biomes including Fynbos, Forest, Indian Ocean Coastal Belt, and Savanna at altitudes ranging from 54 to 1,758 m above sea level.
Description
Systenoplacis vandami shows sexual dimorphism in size. Females reach 9.32 mm in total length with a uniform dark brown carapace and reddish brown chelicerae. The abdomen is dark grey with a white spot in front. Males are considerably smaller at 5.9 mm total length with a medium reddish brown carapace and a clear, well-defined white spot on the abdomen along with three spots in a longitudinal row.
Ecology Systenoplacis vandami are free-running ground spiders. It is presumed that their large pedipalps are used for digging, which has been observed in grassland habitats.
Conservation The species is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide geographical range. It is protected in six protected areas.
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