| Trochosa terricola | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Lycosidae |
| Genus: | Trochosa |
| Species: | T. terricola |
| Binomial name | |
| Trochosa terricola | |
| Synonyms [2] | |
| |
Trochosa terricola is known as the ground wolf spider, [3] is a wolf spider which is common and widespread in western and central Europe. [1] It has been recorded as prey for the pompilid wasp.
Male Trochosa terricola are 7–9 mm in length while females are 7–14 mm. [4] Similar in appearance to other Trochosa species, the female T. terricola has a reddish abdomen while the male has darkened front legs. The two short lines which are visible on carapace are a diagnostic feature of Trochosa wolf spiders. The dark cardiac mark separates it from Trochosa ruricola which has a light cardiac mark. [5]
Trochosa terricola is found in woodland, grassland, heathland and industrial sites and is often encountered under stones and logs, but overall it shows a preference for drier, heath-like conditions, although has been found in pitfall traps in areas of bog and marsh. Unlike the related T. ruricola it can be common in upland areas. [1]
Adults, both males and females, have been recorded from March to November, with a peak from spring to mid-summer, [1] although in warmer areas in can be active throughout the year. [3] This spider generally appears more sluggish than the Pardosa wolf spiders with which it is sympatric. [3] T. terricola is normally most active at night. [4] It has been recorded as a prey item of the pompilid wasps Priocnemis perturbator and Anoplius viaticus [6]
Holarctic, [2] in Europe it is found throughout the continent and Great Britain and Ireland but is absent from Iceland. [4]