Distribution

Physemacris variolosa is endemic to South Africa, where it is distributed throughout much of the Western Cape Province and along the coast into the Eastern Cape Province. Its extent of occurrence is ca 265,000 km².

Habitat

Terrestrial

Physemacris variolosa inhabits the Fynbos vegetation biome. Host plant species that have been observed for Physemacris variolosa include Metalasia muricata, Metalasia densa, and Elytropappus rhinocerotis. Alternate male morphs (sneaker males) have been documented for Physemacris variolosa (Donelson 2007). These alternate males were described by Dirsh (1963) as a separate species, Paraphysemacris spinosus.

Population trend

Physemacris variolosa emerges seasonally, and has been observed from August to January. The population size and trend are unknown for the species, although it is fairly abundant.

Threats

Potential threats to Physemacris variolosa include climate change (less rainfall resulting in a loss of suitable habitat) and land use change as a result of urban development and agriculture.