Hogna coloradensis
This record describes Hogna coloradensis (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Drawing on Slowik & Cushing , this is clearly Hogna coloradensis. They write that the species can be separated from all other Hogna and Lycosidae by a dark area immediately anterior to the epigastric furrow as well as a small dark area just anterior to the spinnerets; the rest of the venter is light with spots. -Kevin P. Female venter matching drawing of female from NM Male venter matching drawing of male venter from NM This species creates a burrow (no turret) and may use small rocks/debris to close the burrow entrance.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A dominant species found in sandy environments of New Mexico.
Geographic Range
Mostly CO & NM, and also just across the border into AZ & TX. There are old notes of it being found in KS & NE, but those specimens couldn't be verified.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Hogna coloradensis. 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 coloradensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott
Frequently Asked Questions About Hogna coloradensis
What is Hogna coloradensis?
Hogna coloradensis is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Hogna coloradensis?
Females - 10.5 to 20 mm Males - 9.5 to 13.5 mm
How do you identify Hogna coloradensis?
Drawing on Slowik & Cushing , this is clearly Hogna coloradensis. They write that the species can be separated from all other Hogna and Lycosidae by a dark area immediately anterior to the epigastric furrow as well as a small dark area just anterior to the spinnerets; the rest of the venter is light with spots. -Kevin P. Female venter matching drawing of female from NM Male venter matching drawing of male venter from NM
Where is Hogna coloradensis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | A dominant species found in sandy environments of New Mexico. |
| Range | Mostly CO & NM, and also just across the border into AZ & TX. There are old notes of it being found in KS & NE, but those specimens couldn't be verified. |