Rustic Wolf Spider
Trochosa ruricola
This record describes Trochosa ruricola (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
The females are 15 mm (sometimes even bigger) and the males are 10 mm. Both sexes are dark brown with a pale band running the length of the carapace and continuing to the first half of the abdomen. The two short lines on the carapace are diagnostic of Trochosa species. The light cardiac mark helps to distinguish it from the similar T. terricola , but confirmation of this species may require examination of the genitalia. Confirmation of this species: Requires examination at high magnification in good lighting, typically examination of the genitalia. Bee, L., Oxford, G., & Smith, H. (2020). Britain's Spiders: A Field Guide. Second Edition. Princeton University Press. The spider hunts on the ground and is often caught in pitfall traps. Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland, lawns and woodland scrub.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly from April to June
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The spider hunts on the ground and is often caught in pitfall traps.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Trochosa ruricola. 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 Rustic Wolf Spider (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rustic Wolf Spider
What is Rustic Wolf Spider?
Rustic Wolf Spider (Trochosa ruricola) is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Rustic Wolf Spider?
of the carapace and continuing to the first half of the abdomen. The two short lines on the carapace are diagnostic of Trochosa species.
Where is Rustic Wolf Spider found?
Habitat: Grassland, lawns and woodland scrub.
When is Rustic Wolf Spider active?
Rustic Wolf Spider: seasonal activity - Mainly from April to June.
What is the life cycle of a Rustic Wolf Spider?
The spider hunts on the ground and is often caught in pitfall traps.