AraneaeLycosidae – Wolf Spiders

Allocosa subparva

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

Identification and Appearance

Allocosa subparva - Allocosa subparva
Contributed by Laura P.
FeatureDescription
CarapaceCarapace dark red brown to black, with indistinct pale median band (but lacking pale submarginal bands), with dark lateral margins, and with few setae. Sternum orange to black. Chelicerae dark orange to black.
LegsLegs orange to black; femora and tibiae each with 2 black rings. Abdominal dorsum dull yellow, spotted with black; venter dull yellow, sometimes with paired, dark longitudinal bands.

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

"Habitats recorded for this species include beaches of lakes and rivers, creek beds, crevices under stones, and, rarely, lawns, at altitudes up to 2,200 m."

Geographic Range

Oregon and Idaho, south to Nayarit, Mexico.

Seasonal Activity

"Mature males have been recorded in every month except March and November, and females in every month."

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Dondale & Redner, 1983

About Spiders: the wider group

Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Allocosa subparva. 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 subparva (2)

Allocosa subparva - photo 1
Contributed by Laura P.
Allocosa subparva - photo 2
Contributed by Laura P.

Photo credits: Contributed by Laura P.

Frequently Asked Questions About Allocosa subparva

What is Allocosa subparva?

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

How big is Allocosa subparva?
FeatureDetails
Male4.8-7.9mm
Female5.7-9.3mm
How do you identify Allocosa subparva?
FeatureDescription
CarapaceCarapace dark red brown to black, with indistinct pale median band (but lacking pale submarginal bands), with dark lateral margins, and with few setae. Sternum orange to black. Chelicerae dark orange to black.
LegsLegs orange to black; femora and tibiae each with 2 black rings. Abdominal dorsum dull yellow, spotted with black; venter dull yellow, sometimes with paired, dark longitudinal bands.
Where is Allocosa subparva found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatHabitats recorded for this species include beaches of lakes and rivers, creek beds, crevices under stones, and, rarely, lawns, at altitudes up to 2,200 m.
RangeOregon and Idaho, south to Nayarit, Mexico.
When is Allocosa subparva active?

Allocosa subparva: seasonal activity - Mature males have been recorded in every month except March and November, and females in every month..

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

Photo credits: Contributed by Laura P.. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.