Isicabu


Isicabu is a genus of spiders in the family Cyatholipidae. The genus contains five species, with two endemic to South Africa.

Description

Spiders in the genus Isicabu range from 2.1 to 3.8 millimetres in body length. The carapace is inclined to weakly domed, narrow, and weakly rugose to granulate. The fovea varies from weak to forming a deep ovoid pit. The ocular area is wider than long with the anterior eye row strongly recurved and the posterior eye row nearly straight. The sternum is longer than wide and strongly rugose.
The opisthosoma is triangular and extends posteriorly past the spinnerets. It bears scattered fine setae. The legs are slender to very long.

Ecology and behavior

Members of Isicabu build sheet webs in the understory of forests. Some species have been found in caves.

Distribution and habitat

The South African species occur in KwaZulu-Natal province. They inhabit forest areas within the Savanna, Forest, and Indian Ocean Coastal Belt biomes. Some species have been found in pine plantations.

Species

, five species are recognized:Isicabu reavelli Griswold, 1987 – South Africa Isicabu zuluensis Griswold, 1987 – South AfricaIsicabu griswoldi Saaristo, 2010 – MadagascarIsicabu mafate Saaristo, 2010 – RéunionIsicabu paluma Griswold, 2001 – Australia