Hogna baltimoriana
This record describes Hogna baltimoriana (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Very similar to lenta, but with markings more pronounced. However, the coxae are not black beneath, the sternum may be. Sternum black, chelicerae dark reddish to black. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen yellowish with 5 or 6 chevrons posteriorly. Heart mark brown. Venter black posterior to the genital groove, patellae and coxae dark ventrally. |
| Carapace | Carapace lacks pale median and submarginal bands. (These two reference don't agree on the coxae being black.) Male: Black spot on the ventral part of the abdomen restricted to that pattern (behind the epigastric furrow) is very distinctive of H. baltimoriana. |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Minnesota to southern Ontario and Massachusetts, south to Arizona and Florida. AR, CT, IA, IL, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MT, NC, NJ, OH, PA, RI, SD, WI; ON
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of the name: Keyserling. Year first published: 1877.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Hogna baltimoriana. 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 Hogna baltimoriana (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott
Frequently Asked Questions About Hogna baltimoriana
What is Hogna baltimoriana?
Hogna baltimoriana is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Hogna baltimoriana?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Very similar to lenta, but with markings more pronounced. However, the coxae are not black beneath, the sternum may be. Sternum black, chelicerae dark reddish to black. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen yellowish with 5 or 6 chevrons posteriorly. Heart mark brown. Venter black posterior to the genital groove, patellae and coxae dark ventrally. |
| Carapace | Carapace lacks pale median and submarginal bands. (These two reference don't agree on the coxae being black.) Male: Black spot on the ventral part of the abdomen restricted to that pattern (behind the epigastric furrow) is very distinctive of H. baltimoriana. |
Where is Hogna baltimoriana found?
Range: Minnesota to southern Ontario and Massachusetts, south to Arizona and Florida. AR, CT, IA, IL, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MT, NC, NJ, OH, PA, RI, SD, WI; ON