Schizocosa perplexa
Bryant, 1936
Schizocosa perplexa is a small wolf spider (Lycosidae) described from central Texas in 1936. The remains poorly known: only the male has been formally described, and its taxonomic placement has been questioned. Dondale & Redner (1978) listed it as excluded from the Schizocosa without explanation, and it was omitted from a major 2013 survey of U.S. spiders. Online observations suggest a potentially wider distribution than literature records indicate.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Schizocosa perplexa: /ˌskɪzoʊˈkoʊsə pərˈplɛksə/
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Identification
Distinguished from the similar Schizocosa puebla by larger body size (9.0 mm vs. ~8.0 mm), paler first leg, longer palpal tibia relative to patella, and distinctly different male palpus structure. The mark on the is outlined with black dots. Identification to requires examination of male .
Appearance
Male approximately 9.0 mm in body length. dark with pale band ("light stripe"), brown sides with black hairs, lacking submarginal bands extending to margins. with demarcated mark ("spear mark") outlined in black dots; lateral areas black with long dark hairs. abdomen dark with narrow light median stripe and scattered light spots. Female undescribed.
Habitat
Likely occurs in open such as grasslands, consistent with many North American wolf spiders. Specific microhabitat preferences unknown.
Distribution
Literature records limited to central Texas (Dallas area). Online observation records extend range to Ohio, suggesting potential widespread distribution across the United States, though these require verification.
Host Associations
- Climaciella brunnea - Unidentified Schizocosa in Illinois recorded as for this mantispid; specific association with S. perplexa not confirmed
Similar Taxa
- Schizocosa pueblaSimilar size and appearance; distinguished by darker first leg, shorter palpal tibia, and different palpus structure in males
More Details
Taxonomic uncertainty
Dondale & Redner (1978) excluded this from Schizocosa without explanation. Bradley (2013) omitted it from the U.S. spider fauna. The species' generic placement remains unresolved.
Undescribed female
The female of S. perplexa has never been formally described, limiting identification of females in the field.