Tigrosa annexa
This record describes Tigrosa annexa (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
This is the smallest species in the genus; the venter of the female is all pale yellow, except for a dark 'V'-shaped marking in center of the sternum and a black spot around the epigynum; venter of adult male is all pale. Carapace has two yellow dashes flanking the median stripe in the cephalic region. This species is closely related to T. helluo , but is smaller in size and lighter in color. Adult female: Adult male:
Wikipedia reference for Tigrosa annexa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tigrosa annexa.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Seems to prefer a drier, more sandy habitat than some of the other Tigrosa species. Allen Brady notes that many of the specimens he examined for his revision were collected in pitfall traps in cotton fields and Bermuda grass. "I've kept two females in captivity and this species doesn't appear to be the burrowing type; it seems to prefer wandering about instead." ~ pers. comm. Mandy Howe
Geographic Range
Along the Atlantic coast from Delaware south to Big Pine Key, Florida, and westward from southern Ohio to the southern tip of Texas.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Tigrosa annexa. 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 Tigrosa annexa (11)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mandy Howe
Frequently Asked Questions About Tigrosa annexa
What is Tigrosa annexa?
Tigrosa annexa is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Tigrosa annexa?
Body length (excluding legs) of adults ranges from 10 - 18 millimeters.
How do you identify Tigrosa annexa?
This is the smallest species in the genus; the venter of the female is all pale yellow, except for a dark 'V'-shaped marking in center of the sternum and a black spot around the epigynum; venter of adult male is all pale. Carapace has two yellow dashes flanking the median stripe in the cephalic region. This species is closely related to T. helluo , but is smaller in size and lighter in color. Adult female: Adult male:
Where is Tigrosa annexa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Seems to prefer a drier, more sandy habitat than some of the other Tigrosa species. Allen Brady notes that many of the specimens he examined for his revision were collected in pitfall traps in cotton fields and Bermuda grass. I've kept two females in captivity and this species doesn't appear to be the burrowing type; it seems to prefer wandering about instead. ~ pers. comm. Mandy Howe |
| Range | Along the Atlantic coast from Delaware south to Big Pine Key, Florida, and westward from southern Ohio to the southern tip of Texas. |