Alopecosa aculeata
(Clerck, 1757)
Spinyrib Wolf Spider
Alopecosa is a of wolf spider in the Lycosidae, found across a broad geographic range spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. Taxonomic study has revealed that specimens historically identified as this species actually represent two distinct species, with A. aculeata and A. taeniata now recognized as separate based on morphological, behavioral, and ecological differences. The species exhibits distinct courtship and preferences that differ from its close relatives.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Alopecosa aculeata: //ælɒpəˈkoʊsə ˌækjuˈliːətə//
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Identification
Distinguished from the closely related A. taeniata by morphological characters; historically confused with this and A. pulverulenta. Courtship is distinctly different from A. taeniata, providing a behavioral diagnostic character. Specific morphological differences from related species in the pulverulenta group require detailed examination.
Images
Habitat
preferences differ from those of A. taeniata where the two are sympatric in Sweden; specific habitat requirements partially distinct from related species in the pulverulenta group.
Distribution
North America, Europe, Turkey, the Caucasus, Russia (European to Far East), Iran, Central Asia, China, and Japan.
Behavior
Courtship is distinctly different from that of A. taeniata, representing a key behavioral diagnostic character separating the two .
Similar Taxa
- Alopecosa taeniataHistorically confused with A. ; now recognized as distinct based on morphological, behavioral, and ecological differences. Sympatric with A. aculeata in Sweden with differing preferences and distinctly different courtship .
- Alopecosa pulverulentaRelated in the pulverulenta group; historically involved in taxonomic confusion with A. .
- Alopecosa cuneataAllied in the pulverulenta group with which A. shares taxonomic affinities.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
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- Separation of two species standing as Alopecosa aculeata (Clerck) by morphological, behavioural and ecological characters, with remarks on related species in the pulverulenta group (Araneae, Lycosidae)