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

| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Carapace | Carapace 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. |
| Legs | Legs 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
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.
Photos of Allocosa subparva (2)
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?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 4.8-7.9mm |
| Female | 5.7-9.3mm |
How do you identify Allocosa subparva?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Carapace | Carapace 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. |
| Legs | Legs 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?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Range | Oregon 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..
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