Schizocosa is a genus of wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) containing 56 species (as of 2025), distributed in North and South America, Africa, and East and Southeast Asia.[1][2]
Members of the genus Schizocosa are medium to large in size, usually ranging from 5 to 15 mm in body length. They are strong-legged spiders with relatively keen eyesight that carry their bodies high.[3]
The carapace when viewed from above is truncate or somewhat concave at the posterior margin and smoothly convex along the lateral margins. It is narrowed and steeply sloped at the level of the first leg's coxa. When viewed laterally, the carapace is uniform in height from the dorsal groove to the level of the third row of eyes and slightly concave along the dorsal line.[3]
The dorsal fovea is long, distinct, and shallow. The lateral areas are dark red-brown to nearly black, usually streaked with black, while pale submarginal bands are usually narrow but distinct and sometimes broken into spots. The eye area and the highest part of the carapace are black.[3]
The eyes of the first row are uniform in size, or the anterior median eyes are slightly larger than the anterior lateral eyes. The first row of eyes is procurved and relatively narrow.[3]
The abdomen in dorsal view is approximately ovoid, usually with a distinct dark heart mark that extends posteriorly one-half or more of the abdomen's length. The legs are moderately long and stout with strong macrosetae.[3]
Life style
Spiders in this genus are able to dart with great speed when pursuing prey or taking cover among the grasses which form their normal habitat. Individuals may wander long distances within a particular field or meadow.[3]
Species
S. bilineata
S. crassipes
S. ocreata
As of October2025[update], this genus includes 56 species:[1]
↑ "Schizocosa". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
1 2 3 4 5 6 Dippenaar-Schoeman, A.S.; Haddad, C.R.; Foord, S.H.; Lotz, L.N. (2021). The Lycosidae of South Africa. Version 1: part 2 (L-Z). South African National Survey of Arachnida Photo Identification Guide. p.58. doi:10.5281/zenodo.6324723.This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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