Cedar Creek Natural History Area

Insects of Cedar Creek

Order ARACHNIDA

The Wolf Spiders are commonly taken in pitfall traps. Arrangement of the ocelli is diagnostic. Xeric fields harbor the largest, most impressive species. Genera taken include a small Pardosa (1+ spp), medium to large Lycosa (4+ spp), and the enormous Geolycosa missouriensis whose turrets are often visible projecting above the soil surface. Two common Lycosids were distinguished as Lycosa stripe (L. frondicola?) and Lycosa star (L. abdominalis?). Most are free-ranging nocturnal Hunting Spiders. Females carry the egg case attached to abdominal spinnerets and later may be seen with their spiderlings clinging to their body.