Varacosa avara
(Keyserling, 1877)
Varacosa avara is a wolf spider ( Lycosidae) distributed across the United States and Canada. It has been documented as prey for at least two of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae: Ageniella conflicta and Priocnemis minorata. The species is one of several wolf spiders in the Varacosa, which are ground-dwelling hunters. Beyond its recorded role as for , specific details of its remain sparse.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Varacosa avara: /vəˈrækoʊsə əˈværə/
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Images
Distribution
United States and Canada
Host Associations
- Ageniella conflicta - prey individuals are hunted by female as food for larval offspring; legs amputated to facilitate transport and storage in burrow
- Priocnemis minorata - preyRecorded as spider; paralyzed and stored in underground for larvae
Ecological Role
Serves as prey for spider wasps (Pompilidae), linking ground-dwelling spider to higher . Specific predatory or other ecological functions not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Varacosa gosiutaCongeneric wolf spider; both are recorded for Ageniella conflicta, suggesting similar use and vulnerability to
- Arctosa littoralisWolf spider in same ; shares recorded status for Ageniella conflicta
- Pardosa valensWolf spider in same ; shares recorded status for Ageniella conflicta
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described by Keyserling in 1877; currently accepted as Varacosa avara (Keyserling, 1877)