CR

Napoleon's Crab Spider

Bonapruncinia sanctaehelenae

Declining

Overview

Bonapruncinia is a monotypic genus of Atlantic crab spiders containing the single species, Bonapruncinia sanctaehelenae. It was first described by P. L. G. Benoit in 1977, and is found on Saint Helena.

Bonapruncinia sanctaehelenae faces severe threats from habitat destruction on the remote island of Saint Helena, where introduced plant species have dramatically altered native ecosystems. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to any environmental changes, while invasive flora continues to degrade the specialized microhabitats this endemic species requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic species inhabits the unique terrestrial ecosystems of Saint Helena, likely occupying specialized microhabitats within the island's native vegetation communities. The species is restricted to very specific environmental conditions found only on this isolated South Atlantic island.

Desert· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies managementSpecies recovery

Other threatened species in THOMISIDAE

EN

Firmicus insularis

Unknown
CR

Xysticus grohi

Declining

Threatened in St. Helena

Blind SnailVU

Blind Snail

Cecilioides acicula

Unknown
CR

Smalltail Shark

Carcharhinus porosus

Declining
CR

Lobelia Flea Beetle

Longitarsus helenae

Unknown
VU

Jellico

Berula bracteata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Napoleon's Crab Spider classified as Critically Endangered?
Napoleon's Crab Spider is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Bonapruncinia sanctaehelenae faces severe threats from habitat destruction on the remote island of Saint Helena, where introduced plant species have dramatically altered native ecosystems. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to any environmental changes, while invasive flora continues to degrade the specialized microhabitats this endemic species requires for survival.
Where does Napoleon's Crab Spider live?
Napoleon's Crab Spider occurs in St. Helena. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Napoleon's Crab Spider?
The main threats to Napoleon's Crab Spider are 1.1, 4.1, 5.3, and 8.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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