Allocosa funerea
This record describes Allocosa funerea (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | Carapace dark red to black, often paler posteriorly, minutely and evenly punctate, with few setae. Sternum dark brown. Chelicerae dark red brown to black, paler distally. Legs with femora black, with femora tips and remaining segments dark orange; tibiae (especially III and IV) each with 2 broad, dark rings. Abdominal dorsum dark yellow, with many small, black spots; venter yellow or orange, with few small, black spots. |
| Female | General structure and colour essentially as in male but leg femora often paler, and tibial rings less distinct. ... Specimens of A. funerea can be recognized by the minutely punctate carapace. The combination of dark carapace and leg femora, the latter usually without trace of darker rings, is also diagnostic. A. funerea is probably the most common species of the genus. Type species. |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"Many collections have been made in grassy fields, meadows, lawns, gardens, and pine forests. A few were found wandering indoors."
Geographic Range
USA; Kansas and southern Michigan to Massachusetts, south to Texas and Florida.
Seasonal Activity
"Both sexes have been collected from April to September, with occasional females in October."
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: (Hentz, 1844)
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Allocosa funerea. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.
Ecological role of the group
Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.
Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Allocosa funerea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cheins , Laura P.
Frequently Asked Questions About Allocosa funerea
What is Allocosa funerea?
Allocosa funerea is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Allocosa funerea?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 3.5-4.9mm |
| Female | 4.0-5.6mm |
How do you identify Allocosa funerea?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | Carapace dark red to black, often paler posteriorly, minutely and evenly punctate, with few setae. Sternum dark brown. Chelicerae dark red brown to black, paler distally. Legs with femora black, with femora tips and remaining segments dark orange; tibiae (especially III and IV) each with 2 broad, dark rings. Abdominal dorsum dark yellow, with many small, black spots; venter yellow or orange, with few small, black spots. |
| Female | General structure and colour essentially as in male but leg femora often paler, and tibial rings less distinct. ... Specimens of A. funerea can be recognized by the minutely punctate carapace. The combination of dark carapace and leg femora, the latter usually without trace of darker rings, is also diagnostic. A. funerea is probably the most common species of the genus. |
Where is Allocosa funerea found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Many collections have been made in grassy fields, meadows, lawns, gardens, and pine forests. A few were found wandering indoors. |
| Range | USA; Kansas and southern Michigan to Massachusetts, south to Texas and Florida. |
When is Allocosa funerea active?
Allocosa funerea: seasonal activity - Both sexes have been collected from April to September, with occasional females in October..