Hogna frondicola
(Emerton, 1885)
Forest Wolf Spider
Hogna frondicola is a of wolf spider in the Lycosidae, commonly known as the Forest Wolf Spider. It is found throughout the United States and Canada, with confirmed records from Alberta and British Columbia. The species is one of several Hogna species known to serve as for the spider wasp Anoplius aethiops, which paralyzes and provisions its burrows with these spiders.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hogna frondicola: /ˈhoʊɡnə frɒnˈdɪkələ/
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Identification
Hogna frondicola belongs to the Hogna, which contains large wolf spiders with robust bodies and long legs. Within Hogna, identification typically requires examination of genitalic structures and other detailed morphological features. The specific epithet 'frondicola' (meaning 'leaf-dwelling') may suggest ecological associations, though this has not been confirmed in available sources. Distinguishing H. frondicola from other Hogna species such as H. carolinensis, H. helluo, or H. aspersa requires expert examination.
Images
Distribution
United States and Canada. Confirmed present in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada.
Host Associations
- Anoplius aethiops - preyDocumented for this spider wasp ; females paralyze H. frondicola and use them to provision underground burrows for their larvae.
Ecological Role
Serves as prey for spider wasps (Pompilidae), specifically Anoplius aethiops. This relationship represents a significant trophic interaction in open field, forest edge, meadow, and prairie where both occur.
Similar Taxa
- Hogna carolinensisOverlapping geographic range and similar large size; both are documented for Anoplius aethiops and require detailed morphological examination for separation.
- Hogna helluoAnother large Hogna with similar preferences and documented as for the same spider wasp species.
- Arctosa littoralisBoth are large wolf spiders found in open , but Arctosa littoralis is primarily associated with sandy beaches and stream banks and has a more flattened body profile adapted for that habitat.
More Details
Host records
Hogna frondicola is one of eight documented spider for Anoplius aethiops, a large black spider wasp in the Pompilidae. This species is known to target only lycosid wolf spiders.
Etymology
The specific epithet 'frondicola' derives from Latin '' (leaf) + 'cola' (dweller), though the precise ecological basis for this name is not documented in available sources.