Hogna lenta

(Hentz, 1844)

Field Wolf Spider

Hogna lenta is a of wolf in the Lycosidae, commonly known as the Field Wolf Spider. It is to the southeastern United States, with particular abundance in Florida. This large, ground-dwelling spider constructs vertical burrows in sandy substrates and hunts using vibration . The species has been used in neuroanatomical research to study catecholaminergic distribution in spider .

Rabidosa punctulatae by Patrick Edwin Moran. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Hogna lenta 18 by Patrick Edwin Moran. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hogna lenta: /ˈhɒɡ.nə ˈlɛn.tə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Large wolf with body diameter approximately the size of a 50-cent coin. Distinguished from similar Hogna by geographic range (southeastern US, especially Florida) and preference for sandy sediments. Mature individuals are with stout legs adapted for digging. The of the is elevated compared to the rear portion. arrangement typical of Lycosidae: two large that reflect light at night, producing a -green glow when illuminated by headlamps or flashlights.

Images

Habitat

Primarily found in sandy sediments and open areas with sparse ground litter. Constructs vertical burrow shafts in soil, often incorporating a turret of mixed with debris at the burrow mouth. Sometimes uses a thick layer of silk and sediment as a trap door. Occupies a variety of but shows strong association with sandy substrates.

Distribution

Southeastern United States, particularly Florida. Records from GBIF and other sources confirm presence in USA and North America broadly, with highest concentration in the Southeast.

Diet

Primarily feeds on small including , waxworms, and . Will consume when preferred is unavailable. Newly emerged spiderlings can eat . Hunts using vibrations to detect prey approaching the burrow entrance.

Life Cycle

Mating occurs shortly before sac construction. Female constructs a large egg sac larger than her within 1–2 weeks after mating. Carries egg sac attached to on abdomen. Spiderlings develop inside eggs for 5–8 weeks before hatching. Newly emerged spiderlings are extremely small (described as about the size of a small LED light) and remain on mother's abdomen for 1–4 weeks. Upon leaving the mother, young are highly agile. Many die within days of ; survivors , with young spiders capable of molting up to three times per month. Spiderlings grow slowly and molt repeatedly, shedding old skin as new skin remains malleable to allow growth.

Behavior

hunter that remains in burrow and uses vibrations to detect at the burrow entrance. When threatened, raises legs in the air to appear larger. If this display fails, lunges directly in front of the attacker to startle them. Biting is a final defensive response. Possesses delivered through that paralyzes prey while the consumes .

Ecological Role

of small in sandy terrestrial . Burrowing activity may contribute to soil aeration and mixing. Serves as for in the , including in the Priocnemis and Anoplius.

Human Relevance

poses no serious threat to healthy humans; bites reported to feel comparable to a . Sometimes encountered by humans in sandy areas, particularly when using headlamps at night due to reflective . Has been used in scientific research on neuroanatomy and catecholaminergic .

Similar Taxa

Hogna carolinensisSimilar large size and wolf , but H. carolinensis has broader distribution and different preferences; H. lenta is specifically associated with Florida and sandy substrates
Arctosa littoralisAlso a burrowing wolf found in sandy , but A. littoralis occupies beach and shoreline habitats rather than inland sandy areas, and has different geographic distribution
Geolycosa missouriensisAnother burrowing wolf with similar burrow construction, but G. missouriensis is centered in the Great Plains rather than the Southeast, and has different body proportions with more pronounced elevation