Geolycosa hubbelli

Wallace, 1942

Geolycosa hubbelli is a of burrowing wolf in the Lycosidae. It is found in the United States and belongs to a characterized by deep, -lined burrows. Members of this genus are typically associated with sandy or loose soil where they construct vertical burrows with debris-reinforced turrets.

Geolycosa hubbelli by (c) Richard Stovall, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Richard Stovall. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Geolycosa hubbelli: //dʒiːoʊlaɪˈkoʊsə hʌˈbɛlaɪ//

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Identification

Geolycosa hubbelli can be distinguished from other wolf by its burrowing lifestyle and associated morphological , including stout legs adapted for digging and a that is elevated anteriorly. The Geolycosa is separated from other Lycosidae by these structural features combined with their distinctive burrow construction. Specific identification to level requires examination of detailed morphological characters, particularly of the male and in females.

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Habitat

Sandy or loose soil in open areas with sparse vegetation. Like other Geolycosa , it constructs deep, vertical, -lined burrows with turrets reinforced with debris at the surface.

Distribution

United States. Distribution records indicate presence in North America, specifically the USA.

Behavior

Constructs and maintains deep burrows, with vertical shafts that can extend a meter or more in depth for individuals. Summer burrows are typically shallower, averaging 20–25 centimeters. The spends the majority of its life inside the burrow, with males wandering in late summer or early autumn to seek mates.

Similar Taxa

  • Geolycosa missouriensisShares the burrowing habit, stout digging legs, and elevated characteristic of the . G. missouriensis has a broad Great Plains distribution and is the most frequently encountered Geolycosa in that region, making it a likely confusion partner for other Geolycosa species.
  • Hogna speciesLarge wolf that may be encountered in similar . Hogna lack the pronounced elevation of the and do not construct the deep, turreted burrows characteristic of Geolycosa.

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