Pardosa groenlandica
(Thorell, 1872)
Groenland Wolf Spider, Greenland Wolf Spider
Pardosa groenlandica is a of wolf spider in the Lycosidae, commonly known as the Groenland Wolf Spider or Greenland Wolf Spider. It is one of approximately 65 Pardosa species recognized in the United States and 75 species north of Mexico. The species has a notably broad distribution spanning arctic and subarctic regions across multiple continents.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pardosa groenlandica: //pɑrˈdoʊsə ˌɡruːnˈlændɪkə//
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Identification
As a member of the Pardosa, this exhibits the diagnostic traits of thin-legged wolf spiders: long spines nearly perpendicular to the leg axis (contrasting with the shorter, more parallel spines of other wolf spiders), and relatively long hind legs where these spines are most visible. The is higher than in most other wolf spiders, with nearly vertical sides of the . Like all wolf spiders, it possesses the characteristic arrangement: four small eyes in the row, two large eyes, and one pair of posterior lateral eyes set well back on the . Species-level identification requires microscopic examination of genitalia—females have a paired , while mature males possess modified resembling small boxing gloves.
Images
Distribution
Recorded from Russia (Middle Siberia to Kamchatka), Canada, the United States, and Greenland. GBIF records indicate presence in Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China) as well as North America broadly.
Similar Taxa
- Pardosa (other species)The Pardosa contains 65+ in the U.S. alone, most sharing the diagnostic perpendicular leg spines and elevated . Microscopic genital examination is required for definitive species separation.
- Other Lycosidae generaNon-Pardosa wolf spiders have shorter leg spines oriented more parallel to the leg surface, and generally lack the high, steep-sided of Pardosa.