Pardosa orophila
Gertsch, 1933
Pardosa orophila is a of thin-legged wolf spider in the Lycosidae, first described by Gertsch in 1933. The species is found in the United States and Mexico. Like other members of the Pardosa, it is a ground-dwelling, hunter. Specific details about its and remain poorly documented in published sources.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pardosa orophila: //pɑːrˈdoʊsə ˌɔːroʊˈfaɪlə//
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Identification
As a member of the Pardosa, P. orophila can be distinguished from other wolf spiders by the presence of long spines that are nearly perpendicular to the axis of the leg itself, rather than the shorter, more parallel spines found in most other Lycosidae. The hind pair of legs is notably long, with spines often most visible on this pair. -level identification within Pardosa requires microscopic examination of genitalia: the in females and the highly modified in males.
Distribution
United States and Mexico. GBIF records indicate presence in Middle America and North America.
Similar Taxa
- Other Pardosa speciesShare the -level diagnostic traits of perpendicular leg spines and long hind legs; microscopic examination of genitalia is required for definitive separation.
- Other Lycosidae generaDiffer in leg spine orientation (shorter, more parallel to leg surface) and typically have lower profile with less vertical sides of the .
More Details
Taxonomic note
Pardosa orophila was described by Gertsch in 1933. The specific epithet 'orophila' (from Greek oros 'mountain' and philos 'loving') suggests a possible association with mountainous , though this has not been explicitly documented in available sources.