Tigrosa helluo
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Lycosidae
- Genus: Tigrosa
- Species: helluo
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tigrosa helluo: /tɪˈɡroʊsə ˈhɛluoʊ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Tigrosa helluo, known as the Wetland Giant Wolf Spider, is a medium-sized wolf spider characterized by its brown carapace and yellow stripe, primarily inhabiting wet areas in the eastern United States. They exhibit sexual dimorphism with females being larger than males and are known for their solitary hunting behavior.
Physical Characteristics
The defining characteristic of Tigrosa helluo is its brown carapace and distinct yellow stripe from its anterior eyes extending down the cephalothorax. The underside of the abdomen has distinct black spots.
Identification Tips
Females are 18-21 mm in body length while males range from 10-12 mm. The females are larger in size than males, showcasing sexual dimorphism.
Habitat
Found in diverse habitats including woods, marshes, fields, and riparian areas with a preference for wetter environments.
Distribution
Native to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, primarily found across the eastern half of the United States from New England and adjacent Canada, south to Florida and west to the Rockies.
Diet
Insects such as crickets, fly grubs, cockroaches, mealworms, and beetles; hunts at night and does not create webs.
Life Cycle
Males mature between May and September, while females can mature at any point throughout the year. Lifespan: males approximately 1 year, females around 2 years.
Reproduction
Mating occurs typically in May or June. Females carry their egg sacs on their back until they hatch, and continue to carry hatchlings until they can hunt on their own.
Predators
Preyed upon by birds, praying mantises, wasps, small reptiles, and other spiders.
Ecosystem Role
Solitary hunters primarily controlling insect populations in their habitats.
Health Concerns
Bites to humans generally result in minor swelling and pain but are not medically significant. Antivenom is rarely needed.
Evolution
Previously classified under the genus Hogna before the recognition of their unique traits leading to the establishment of Tigrosa as a separate genus.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often mistaken for related species due to physical similarities, specifically with nursery web spiders.
Tags
- Tigrosa helluo
- wetland giant wolf spider
- Lycosidae
- spider identification
- North American spiders