Trochosa ruricola
(De Geer, 1778)
Rustic Wolf Spider
Trochosa ruricola, the rustic wolf spider, is a ground-dwelling hunting spider in the Lycosidae. Females reach 15–25 mm in body length, while males are smaller at approximately 10 mm. The exhibits maternal care , with females carrying sacs for approximately three weeks until spiderlings emerge and climb onto the mother's back. Native to temperate regions of Eurasia, it has been introduced to North America and parts of the Caribbean.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Trochosa ruricola: //trəˈkoʊsə ˌrʊrɪˈkoʊlə//
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Identification
Dark brown overall coloration with a distinctive pale band running longitudinally from the onto the . Females noticeably larger than males (15–25 mm vs. 10 mm). Typical wolf spider arrangement: four small eyes in a lower row, two large eyes above them, and two eyes set far back on the carapace.
Images
Habitat
Grassland, woodland, scrub, and lawns in temperate regions. Ground-dwelling, often encountered in pitfall traps.
Distribution
Native to Europe through Central Asia to China, Japan, and Korea. Introduced to North America, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda.
Life Cycle
Females produce an sac carried attached to the for approximately three weeks. Upon hatching, spiderlings emerge and gather on the mother's back, dispersing after their first .
Behavior
ground hunter that does not construct webs to capture prey. Frequently captured in pitfall traps used for surveys.
Ecological Role
Predatory contributing to ground-level . Serves as prey for spider wasps including Priocnemis minorata.
Similar Taxa
- Trochosa terricolaSympatric wolf spider in same ; requires careful examination of epigynal structures for definitive separation.
- Trochosa spinipalpisOverlapping distribution in Europe; distinguished by palpal and epigynal .