Scotophaeus natalensis is a species of spider in the family Gnaphosidae. It is found in southern Africa and is commonly known as Natal golden ground spider.
Scotophaeus natalensis is found in Zimbabwe and South Africa. In South Africa, it is recorded from two provinces: Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. Notable locations include Wyndford Guest Farm, Umhlali, Sani Pass, and Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve.
The species is a free-living ground dweller found at altitudes ranging from 43 to 1,989 m above sea level. It has been sampled from the Savanna biome.
Scotophaeus natalensis is listed as Least Concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute due to its wide geographical range. The species is protected in the Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve.
The species name natalensis refers to the former Natal region (now KwaZulu-Natal) where it was originally discovered.
The species was originally described by Reginald Frederick Lawrence in 1938 from Umhlali, KwaZulu-Natal. It is currently known only from female specimens.