Arctosa perita

(Latreille, 1799)

Sand Bear Spider

Arctosa perita is a wolf spider in the Lycosidae, commonly known as the sand bear spider. It is native to Europe, North Africa, Turkey, the Caucasus, and Russia, and has been introduced to Canada. The is adapted to dry, sandy where it constructs burrows.

Arctosa perita by (c) anonymous, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Arctosa perita by (c) gailhampshire, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Arctosa perita (Lycosidae sp.), Arnhem, the Netherlands - 2 by Bj.schoenmakers. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Arctosa perita: //ɑːrkˈtoʊsə pəˈraɪtə//

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Identification

Distinguished from other Arctosa by the combination of: -shaped brownish-black sternum; greyish cardiac mark on flanked by pinkish-white patches; with white hair patches; and AME larger than ALE. The overall pale coloration with dark annulations on legs is characteristic of sand-dwelling wolf spiders. Distinguished from Arctosa littoralis (beach wolf spider), a North American species not naturally overlapping in range, by geographic distribution and subtle pattern differences.

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Habitat

Dry, sandy soils and coastal dunes. Constructs burrows in these substrates.

Distribution

Native to Europe, North Africa, Turkey, the Caucasus, and Russia. Introduced to Canada (specifically recorded from Faial, Pico, São Miguel, Santa Maria, and Terceira in the Azores, and established in mainland Canada).

Behavior

Creates burrows in sandy substrates. Nocturnally active; like other wolf spiders, shine can be observed when illuminated at night.

Ecological Role

in sandy coastal and inland dune .

Human Relevance

Introduced to Canada, likely through human-mediated transport. No significant documented economic or medical importance.

Similar Taxa

  • Arctosa littoralisSimilar preference (sandy shores, beaches) and appearance, but native to North America rather than the Palearctic; A. perita distinguished by native range and subtle pattern differences

More Details

Subspecies

Two recognized: Arctosa perita perita (Latreille, 1799) and Arctosa perita arenicola (Simon, 1937)

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Sources and further reading