Geolycosa micanopy

Wallace, 1942

Geolycosa micanopy is a burrowing wolf spider in the Lycosidae, described by Wallace in 1942. It is known from the United States. As a member of the Geolycosa, it constructs deep, silk-lined burrows in sandy substrates. A laboratory study has examined burrow establishment in young individuals of this species in relation to microhabitat conditions and prey availability.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Geolycosa micanopy: //dʒiːoʊlɪˈkoʊsə mɪˈkænəpi//

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Identification

Members of Geolycosa can be distinguished from other wolf spider by the elevated portion of the , which is much higher than the portion. The front legs are stout and adapted for digging, though excavation is primarily accomplished with the . Burrows are vertical, silk-lined shafts that may be ringed at the mouth with a turret of silk mixed with debris. Mature females are larger than males.

Habitat

Sandy soil in open areas with sparse litter. The is associated with substrates suitable for burrow construction.

Distribution

United States; North America.

Behavior

Constructs deep, silk-lined burrows. Young individuals establish burrows in response to microhabitat characteristics and prey availability. are likely .

Similar Taxa

  • Geolycosa missouriensisAnother burrowing wolf spider in the same with similar and burrowing ; distinguished by geographic range and subtle morphological differences
  • Geolycosa turricolaCongeneric with overlapping ; has been studied in parallel with G. micanopy in laboratory investigations of burrow establishment

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