AraneaeLycosidae – Wolf Spiders

Allocosa sublata

This record describes Allocosa sublata (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.

Identification and Appearance

Allocosa sublata - Allocosa sublata
Contributed by John R. Maxwell; Additional contributions by Laura P.
FeatureDescription
CarapaceCarapace dark red brown to black, sometimes iridescent, darker at margins, with few setae. Sternum orange brown. Chelicerae dark red or red brown.
LegsLegs dark orange or red brown, sparsely covered with setae; femora and tibiae each with 2 indistinct, dark rings. Abdominal dorsum dull red, densely reticulated with black; venter dull yellow, with few small, black spots.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae (Spiders)
Family
Lycosidae (Wolf Spiders)
Genus
Allocosa

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

"Collections of sublata are from soil and litter samples in moist woods."

Geographic Range

USA; Texas and Arkansas, east to Florida and North Carolina.

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Allocosa sublata (Montgomery, 1902)

About Spiders: the wider group

Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Allocosa sublata. 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.

Explore Araneae families and species →

Photos of Allocosa sublata (5)

Allocosa sublata - photo 1
Contributed by John R. Maxwell; Additional contributions by Laura P.
Allocosa sublata - photo 2
Contributed by John R. Maxwell; Additional contributions by Laura P.
Allocosa sublata - photo 3
Contributed by John R. Maxwell; Additional contributions by Laura P.
Allocosa sublata - photo 4
Contributed by John R. Maxwell; Additional contributions by Laura P.
Allocosa sublata - photo 5
Contributed by John R. Maxwell; Additional contributions by Laura P.

Photo credits: Contributed by John R. Maxwell; Additional contributions by Laura P.

Frequently Asked Questions About Allocosa sublata

What is Allocosa sublata?

Allocosa sublata is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.

How big is Allocosa sublata?
FeatureDetails
Male4.4-5.7mm
Female4.3-7.4mm
How do you identify Allocosa sublata?
FeatureDescription
CarapaceCarapace dark red brown to black, sometimes iridescent, darker at margins, with few setae. Sternum orange brown. Chelicerae dark red or red brown.
LegsLegs dark orange or red brown, sparsely covered with setae; femora and tibiae each with 2 indistinct, dark rings. Abdominal dorsum dull red, densely reticulated with black; venter dull yellow, with few small, black spots.
Where is Allocosa sublata found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatCollections of sublata are from soil and litter samples in moist woods.
RangeUSA; Texas and Arkansas, east to Florida and North Carolina.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by John R. Maxwell; Additional contributions by Laura P.. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.