Allocosa subparva

Allocosa subparva is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae.[1] They are found throughout western North America, as far north as Oregon to Idaho and as far south as Nayarit, Mexico.[1][2][3][4]

Allocosa subparva
Adult female
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Lycosidae
Genus: Allocosa
Species:
A. subparva
Binomial name
Allocosa subparva
Dondale & Redner, 1983

Description

Allocosa subpara is a small wolf spider with the body length ranging between 4.8–7.9 mm (0.18–0.31 in) for males and 5.7–9.3 mm (0.22–0.36 in) for females.[1][3] The carapace varies from reddish-brown to black, with an indistinct median band (but lacking a pale submarginal band), dark lateral margins, and lacking setae.[1][3] The sternum, chelicerae, and legs range from orange to black.[1] Each femur and tibia has two black rings.[1][3] The abdomen is typically a dull yellow with black spots on the dorsum and occasionally with paired, dark longitudinal bands on the venter.[1]

Identification

Males of Allocosa subparva can be discerned from other visually similar species by the combination of the distal process of the median apophysis folded and covering (or nearly covering) the basal process, as well as the base of the embolus being visible when viewed ventrally.[1] Females of A. subparva have an epigynum with a dorsal excavation that is visible through the ventral wall and open dorsally.[1] More detailed descriptive diagnostic features with illustrations can be found in Dondale and Redner 1983.[1]

Visual identification

Unlike many other wolf spiders, the cephalothorax of Allocosa subparva is dark and without a prominent coat of setae, giving the carapace a glossy appearance.[1][3]

Habitat

Allocosa subparva has been observed in a variety of habitats, all at elevations of up to 2,200 meters, most often on lake and river shorelines, stream beds, and under stones.[1][2] This species was observed less frequently on grasses and lawns.[1]

Seasonality

Mature females can be found year round. With the exception of March and November, mature males have been documented in every month.[1]

References
  1. Dondale, Charles D.; Redner, James H. (1983-08-01). "THE WOLF SPIDER GENUS ALLOCOSA IN NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA (ARANEAE: LYCOSIDAE)". The Canadian Entomologist. 115 (8): 949–950. doi:10.4039/Ent115933-8. ISSN 0008-347X – via World Spider Catalog.
  2. Wenninger, Erik J.; Fagan, William F. (2000-06-01). "EFFECT OF RIVER FLOW MANIPULATION ON WOLF SPIDER ASSEMBLAGES AT THREE DESERT RIPARIAN SITES". Journal of Arachnology. 28 (1): 115–122. doi:10.1636/0161-8202(2000)028[0115:EORFMO]2.0.CO;2. ISSN 0161-8202 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  3. Adams, Richard John; Manolis, Tim D. (2014). Field guide to the spiders of California and the Pacific Coast states. California natural history guides. Berkeley (Calif.): University of California press. p. 228. ISBN 978-0-520-27660-4.
  4. Bern, Natural History Museum. "Allocosa subparva Dondale & Redner, 1983". wsc.nmbe.ch.
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