Thin-legged Wolf Spiders
Pardosa
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Lycosidae
- Genus: Pardosa
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pardosa: //pɑːrˈdoʊsə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Pardosa is a large genus of wolf spiders, known as thin-legged wolf spiders, with around 534 species described. They exhibit adaptations that allow them to thrive in diverse environments, characterized by their distinctive physical features and predatory habits.
Physical Characteristics
Small to medium-sized wolf spiders with clear median and lateral bands on the carapace. They possess relatively long legs with long spines on the foot, which can aid in identification of some species.
Identification Tips
Commonly identified by their nearly perpendicular spines on the hind legs and a distinctive subvertical/converging face.
Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands, often near water sources.
Distribution
These spiders are globally distributed, with over 500 species identified in all regions of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Diet
Carnivorous, primarily preying on insects and other small arthropods.
Life Cycle
They have a completed life cycle that includes egg, juvenile, and adult stages, with females often being protective of their egg sac.
Reproduction
Mating occurs in spring, with females producing egg sacs that they carry or guard until the spiderlings hatch.
Predators
Birds, larger insects, and other predatory species can prey on Pardosa spiders.
Ecosystem Role
As predators, they play a role in controlling insect populations in their habitats.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collecting
- Pitfall traps
- Sifting through leaf litter
Preservation Methods
- Alcohol preservation
- Pinned specimens
- Freeze drying
Evolution
Members of the Pardosa genus have evolved various adaptations for their predatory lifestyle, with significant diversification leading to a wide range of species across different environments.
Similar Taxa
- Acantholycosa
- Hogna
- Schizocosa
- Trochosa
Misconceptions
Some may confuse Pardosa species with other similar wolf spider genera, particularly Acantholycosa, though they can be distinguished by the number of tibial spines on their legs.
Tags
- Wolf Spiders
- Pardosa
- Thin-legged Wolf Spiders
- Arachnology
- Insect Predators