Varacosa avara
This record describes Varacosa avara (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Both sexes are described as lacking a heart mark and not having chevrons on the abdomen (this may help to tell them apart from Trochosa on occasion).
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Have been found under stones in meadows and pastures and along forest margins.
Geographic Range
Eastern Nebraska and eastern Kansas to southern Quebec and Maine, south to Texas and northern Florida.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of name: Eugen von Keyserling . First year published: 1877, as Trochosa avara .
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Varacosa avara. 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 Varacosa avara (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mandy Howe
Frequently Asked Questions About Varacosa avara
What is Varacosa avara?
Varacosa avara is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Varacosa avara?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body | Body length of adult female: 7.9 - 10.3 mm. |
| Body | Body length of adult male: 7.7 - 8.2 mm. |
How do you identify Varacosa avara?
Both sexes are described as lacking a heart mark and not having chevrons on the abdomen (this may help to tell them apart from Trochosa on occasion).
Where is Varacosa avara found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Have been found under stones in meadows and pastures and along forest margins. |
| Range | Eastern Nebraska and eastern Kansas to southern Quebec and Maine, south to Texas and northern Florida. |