SANSA Newsletter 50(2024): 25–27
Observation of the green hairy field spider Neoscona rufipalpis
(Lucas, 1858) in South Africa (Araneae: Araneidae)
Ansie Dippenaar-Schoeman1 & Peter Webbǂ2
1
Independent Researcher, Project manager SANSA, [email protected]; 2SANSA Gauteng team member1
ABSTRACT: Neoscona rufipalpis (Lucas, 1858) was one of the Araneidae species sampled during the South African National Survey of
Arachnida (SANSA). It is a species with a wide global distribution throughout the Afrotropical Region. Observations on their behav-
iour, colour variation and distribution are discussed.
Keywords: behaviour, biodiversity, conservation, geographic distribution, South African National Survey of Arachnida.
INTRODUCTION
1
Neoscona rufipalpis is an African species described by Lucas (1858) as Epeira rufipal-
pis from Gabon. The species has a very wide global distribution throughout the
Afrotropical Region. As part of the South African National Survey of Arachnida
(SANSA) (Dippenaar-Schoeman et al., 2015) specimens from several localities in
South Africa were sampled and photographed (Dippenaar-Schoeman et al., 2022).
With all the specimens available the variation in colour in the females became emi-
nent. This variation might explain why Strand (1908) described four varieties of
Aranea rufipalpis from Africa but only Neoscona rufipalpis buettnerana Strand,
1908) is recognized from Cameroon and Togo (World Spider Catalog, 2024).
The presence of N. rufipalpis in South Africa is discussed, with notes on their colour 2
variation and morphology based on live photographs. Information on their behav-
iour, distribution and conservation in South Africa is provided. 2
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The specimens sampled during the SANSA surveys deposited in the National Collec-
tion of Arachnida at the Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria (NCA) were exam-
ined. As part of SANSA requests were made for photographs for the SANSA Virtual
Museum and several were received (Dippenaar-Schoeman et al., 2012).
TAXONOMY 3
Neoscona rufipalpis (Lucas, 1858)
Epeira rufipalpis Lucas, 1858: 422 (f); Grasshoff, 1986: 73(mf); Dippenaar-Schoeman
et al., 2022: 13.
Diagnostic characters: The female N. rufipalpis is a medium-sized (11–13 mm) orb
weaver easily recognised by the round abdomen. The female carapace is dark, with
a layer of white setae (Fig. 1). The abdomen is as wide as long, slightly flattened
dorsally, with faint transverse bands (Fig. 2). The transverse bands in some speci-
mens are more distinct (Fig. 3). The folium pattern common in Neoscona species is
absent, apodemes with dark spots (Fig. 4). Abdomen colour varied from green (Figs
1 & 4) to yellow-brown (Figs 6 & 7) to creamy grey (Figs 2 & 5). Thin dark lines and
markings are present on the anterior border of the abdomen (Fig. 21).
4
5 6 7
5
Figures 1–7. Neoscona rufipalpis females. 1. From Addo National Park (Linda Wiese). 2. Irene (Peter Webb). 3. Isimangolisa Wetlands (Ruan Booysen).
4. Pretoria (Vida vd Walt). 5–7. From Kwamalanga (Peter Webb)
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SANSA Newsletter 50(2024)
8 9 10 11 12 12
Figures 8–12. Neoscona rufipalpis. 8. Male habitus. 9. Female habitus. 10-11. Epigyne. 12. Female ventral view. Credits: 8–10. Drawings after Grasshoff
(1986). 11–12. Peter Webb.
The sternum is yellow and there are four yellow spots on the abdo- BEHAVIOUR
men ventrally (Fig. 12). Legs are the same colour as the carapace
with only leg IV distinctly banded (Figs 5 & 7). The female has a The spiders are found in a tightly woven funnel retreat made of silk.
long scape as shown in Figs 10–12. The male is much smaller (5–11 They are frequently found in broad-leaved trees. The orb-web con-
mm), abdomen oval shaped with faint dark markings (Fig. 8). nected with the retreat is constructed in front of the retreat consist-
ing of widely-spaced spirals made of golden, sticky silk (Figs 14–17).
Unlike other Neoscona species that make orb-webs overnight and
GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION remove them in the morning, N. rufipalpis only repairs the web
when needed. They are active at night (Figs 18–20) but are found
Neoscona rufipalpis is an African endemic species that was de- during the day in the retreat.
scribed from São Tomé and has been collected from Cape Verde,
St Helena, Yemen [mainland Soco-
tra] and several countries in the 13 2 HABITAT
Afrotropical Region (World Spider
Catalog, 2024). In South Africa it is The species have been sampled from most of the floral biomes but
common and has been collected were absent from the Succulent and Nama Karoo and Desert. As a
from seven provinces (Fig. 13). predator, they play an important role in agro-ecosystems and prey
For details on locality data see on a wide variety of insects (Fig. 21) (Dippenaar-Schoeman et al.,
Dippenaar-Schoeman et al. 2013) and were sampled from avocado (Dippenaar-Schoeman et al.,
(2022). 2005), citrus (Dippenaar-Schoeman, 2001) and macadamia orchards
Figure 13. Known distribution of Neoscona rufipalpis in South Africa. (Dippenaar-Schoeman et al., 2001).
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16 17
Figures 14–17. Neoscona rufipalpis funnel retreat made in citrus tree with orb-web during the day. Photos: Chantall Strumpher.
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SANSA Newsletter 50(2024)
18 19 20
Figures 18–19. Neoscona rufipalpis female in retreat. 19. Female with egg sac in back ground. 20. Female active in web at night. Photos: Peter Webb.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Neoscona rufipalpis has a wide global distribution. There are no
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significant threats to the species and it is listed as Least Concern. In
South Africa it is protected in the seven protected areas.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We thank Linda Wiese, Ruan Booysen, Vida vd Walt and Chantall
Strumpher for the use of their photographs and the late Stefan
Foord for the map.
REFERENCES 2
DIPPENAAR-SCHOEMAN A.S. 2001. Spiders as predators of pests of
tropical and non-citrus subtropical crops. In: Van den Berg, M.A. &
De Villiers, E.A. (Eds). Pests of Tropical and Non-citrus Subtropical Figure 21. Neoscona rufipalpis female in golden web feeding.
Crops in the Republic of South Africa. Nelspruit, ARC-Institute for Photo: Peter Webb
Tropical and Subtropical Crops, pp. 15–17.
LEROY A. 2010. A note on Neoscona rufipalpis webs. SANSA
DIPPENAAR-SCHOEMAN A.S. 2010. More images of Neoscona rufi-
Newsletter 11: 16.
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