Trochosa terricola
This record describes Trochosa terricola (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
A wolf spider - the female has a reddish abdomen and the male has darkened front legs. The two short lines on the carapace are diagnostic of Trochosa species. T. ruricola is similar but has a light cardiac mark wheras in T. terricola it is darker, but confirmation of this species requires examination at high magnification in good lighting, typically 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. Under stones, particularly in damp habitats. Relatively common and very widespread in Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Under stones, particularly in damp habitats.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Relatively common and very widespread in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Trochosa terricola. 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 Trochosa terricola (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Trochosa terricola
What is Trochosa terricola?
Trochosa terricola is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Trochosa terricola found?
Habitat: Under stones, particularly in damp habitats.
When is Trochosa terricola active?
Trochosa terricola: seasonal activity - All year round..