Schizocosa maxima
This record describes Schizocosa maxima (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
The large size, long and gradually tapered intromittent part of the male embolus, relatively long copulatory tubes and spermathecae of females, and the dense, pile-like leg scopula will separate most specimens of S. maxima from those of mccooki , which is sympatric.[cite:1624291] - but see Starrett et. al., whose molecular work raises the possibility that maxima is a synonym of mccooki .
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California and Oregon[cite:1624291].
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "Very large"
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Schizocosa maxima. 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 Schizocosa maxima (9)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by kschnei
Frequently Asked Questions About Schizocosa maxima
What is Schizocosa maxima?
Schizocosa maxima is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Schizocosa maxima?
Male carapace length over 8.5 mm, total length 16-20 mm Female carapace over 10 mm, total length 21-28 mm.
How do you identify Schizocosa maxima?
The large size, long and gradually tapered intromittent part of the male embolus, relatively long copulatory tubes and spermathecae of females, and the dense, pile-like leg scopula will separate most specimens of S. maxima from those of mccooki , which is sympatric.[cite:1624291] - but see Starrett et. al., whose molecular work raises the possibility that maxima is a synonym of mccooki .
Where is Schizocosa maxima found?
Range: California and Oregon[cite:1624291].