Allocosinae
Guides
Allocosa
Allocosa is a genus of wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) comprising over 130 described species with a distribution centered in the Americas. The genus was established by Nathan Banks in 1900 and has been the subject of taxonomic revision, with African species assignments remaining uncertain and requiring re-examination. Several well-studied species, including Allocosa brasiliensis, A. alticeps, and A. senex, exhibit notable sex-role reversal in mating systems, where females actively seek male burrows and initiate courtship. These spiders are ground-dwelling burrowers, often inhabiting sandy coastal or dune environments.