Hogna miami

(Wallace, 1942)

Miami wolf spider, Florida wolf spider

Hogna miami is a of wolf spider to southern Florida, first described by Wallace in 1942. It is a terrestrial burrower that constructs small tubular burrows in the ground. The species is characterized by distinctive coloration and arrangement typical of the Lycosidae. Its range is restricted to the southern portion of Florida below 28-29° latitude, with most records from Miami-Dade County.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hogna miami: //ˈhɒɡnə maɪˈæmi//

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Identification

Distinguished from Hogna ammophilia and Hogna ericeticola by female epigynal positioning. The combination of dusky yellowish brown coloration with cream longitudinal stripe and the specific arrangement (two large forward-facing eyes, four smaller eyes in a row near , two eyes) helps confirm identification within the . Geographic restriction to southern Florida below 28-29° latitude provides additional diagnostic context.

Habitat

Terrestrial burrower inhabiting humid, subtropical climates. Constructs small tubular burrows in soil by digging with front pairs of legs and tamping earth with body pressure. Ground-dwelling lifestyle in burrows and on soil surface.

Distribution

to southern Florida, USA, occurring below 28-29° latitude. Most reported sightings are from Miami-Dade County. Native range restricted to peninsular Florida.

Behavior

Active hunter using relatively advanced eyesight to stalk and hunt prey on the ground. Burrows constructed by digging with front legs and tamping soil with body pressure. reflection has been observed in related wolf spiders, though not specifically documented for this .

Ecological Role

in ground-dwelling of southern Florida.

Similar Taxa

Hogna ammophiliaShares similar physiological characteristics; distinguished by female epigynal positioning
Hogna ericeticolaShares similar physiological characteristics; distinguished by female epigynal positioning

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet 'miami' derives from the ' in South Florida, with first reported sightings in Miami Springs and Hialeah. The name Hogna may be a Latinization of Greek ὄχνη (ókhnē) 'pear' or ὄγχνη (ónkhnē) 'pear-tree'.

Taxonomic history

First described in 1942 by Wallace. Females show minor differences in epigynal positioning compared to related Hogna .