Pardosa dorsuncata
This record describes Pardosa dorsuncata (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Info from Rod Crawford regarding Pardosa of Washington: Pardosa mackenziana [& P. dorsalis which is likely a synonym] females can't be distinguished from the equally common P. dorsuncata without a little bit of dissection. The posterior edge of the septum needs to be lifted away from the epigastric furrow to expose the posterior duct structure; nothing needs to be removed or cleared.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
USA, Canada, Alaska
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lowrie & Dondale, 1981
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Pardosa dorsuncata. 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 Pardosa dorsuncata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John Sloan; Additional contributions by Lynette Elliott , Mandy Howe
Frequently Asked Questions About Pardosa dorsuncata
What is Pardosa dorsuncata?
Pardosa dorsuncata is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Pardosa dorsuncata?
Info from Rod Crawford regarding Pardosa of Washington: Pardosa mackenziana [& P. dorsalis which is likely a synonym] females can't be distinguished from the equally common P. dorsuncata without a little bit of dissection. The posterior edge of the septum needs to be lifted away from the epigastric furrow to expose the posterior duct structure; nothing needs to be removed or cleared.
Where is Pardosa dorsuncata found?
Range: USA, Canada, Alaska