Palystes leppanae is a spider species in the family Sparassidae. It is endemic to South Africa and is commonly known as the East Cape rain spider.

Distribution

Palystes leppanae is found in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces. The species has been recorded from Alicedale, Grahamstown, Middelburg, Jeffreys Bay, and Fernkloof Nature Reserve. It occurs at altitudes ranging from 28 to 1,287 m.

Habitat and ecology

Palystes leppanae has been sampled from the Fynbos and Thicket biomes. In Grahamstown it was also found in buildings.

Description

Conservation

Palystes leppanae is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide geographic range. The species is protected in Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

Taxonomy

Palystes leppanae was originally described by Pocock in 1902 from Grahamstown. The species was revised by Croeser in 1996.