Wolf Spider

[Toby]

I presume but is it possible to ID species or genus from photo?

[Jason Green]

I believe it's a Rustic Wolf Spider, Trochosa ruricola. Venger or someone will confirm.

See http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/pi...hp?photo=16567 for a comparison.

[Venger]

Do you have any more info on it Toby.
Where did you see it? how big was it? and all the rest.
Any other photos would be good as well - one will more of the legs would be good.

[Jason Green]

If I'm correct, this is from NHM-

Bite reports
'Bit finger, red and double puncture, soreness for 48 hours.'

'Bit two-year-old golden retriever (weighed 5 stone / 32 kg). Within seconds, dog went into shock and developed liver poisoning.'

Venger, how many Wolf spiders are there in the UK?

[No.9 Spider]

There are 38 species of Lycosidae on the British List to date if that's what you meant.
The markings on the carapace are not typical of Trochosa, and Trochosa species are typically more robust.


No.9 Spider

[Venger]

What a question? more than 10 less than 100,000,000,000,000, who knows, I don't think someone has sat down and counted them...

What I think you meant to ask was how many species there are...

37 species of Lycosidae (Wolf spiders) in the UK, though I wouldn't get to panicky about the NHM report, spider bites are extremely rare, perhaps around 10 a year and not that many are from wolf spiders, if fact that is the only report I've heard of that reports a wolf spider bite.

I'd need better shots of the head and legs but I think this one is a member of the Pardosa sp

[No.9 Spider]

The median band on the carapace is typical of both Xerolycosa sp. and Alopecosa sp.
There are only two species of Xerolycosa, X. miniata which is fairly rare and confined to coastal habitat and X. nemoralis which is Nationally Scarce (Notable B).
Alopecosa contains four species of which only one is common -
A. pulverulenta - this I believe would be the most likely candidate and certainly compares well with my preserved specimens.
Some idea of habitat would be of interest.



No.9 Spider

[Toby]

only got one more shot before it scurried off and that doesn't offer any more details. I wouldn't like to guess the size as a few mm makes a big difference in the bug world but it was a good medium sized spider. SW London in my garden.

[Toby]

Alopecosa pulverulenta in the Collins Field Guide appears to have stronger more contrasty markings on the abdomen.

[No.9 Spider]

Yes you're right but as with all spiders there is a great variation in tones/shades etc. Practically all the specimens of A. pulverulenta I've collected have been very dark and show very little obvious abdominal markings. Many illustrative drawings are what I would call somewhat enhanced in their appearance. If you look in the Collins guide and imagine the lighter tones, particularly the bands on the abdomen either side of the cardiac mark being a touch darker, you should recognise the resemblance to your specimen.
The most obvious feature however, is the light median band on the carapace which extends forward and actually into the ocular region, typical as I said, for Xerolycosa and Alopecosa species, it is this feature that to me narrows the candidates.
Obviously the usual clause applies - it's never 100% without genitalia detail!


Regards, No.9 Spider