The species has a complex taxonomic history with numerous synonyms, reflecting its wide distribution and variable appearance. Many formerly recognized species, including Pardosa armillata, P. kraepelini, P. spilota, and Evippa mandlaensis, have been synonymized with W. fidelis based on morphological studies.[2]
Wadicosa fidelis is a medium-sized wolf spider showing clear sexual dimorphism. Females are noticeably larger and more robust than males, with a total length of around 7.2 mm compared to 6.3–6.5 mm in males. Females also appear more densely covered with whitish hairs, giving them a somewhat fuzzy appearance, while males have less prominent pubescence.[2]
Both sexes have a blackish brown carapace with a yellowish to dark greyish brown median field that has jagged edges. Lateral bands are typically absent or present only as indistinct lighter spots. The abdomen displays a pattern of yellowish spots and bars on a blackish background, with a greyish yellow to blackish lanceolate stripe and a series of 3–4 transverse yellowish bars posterior to it. In females, these yellowish patches are more distinct and each contains a dark dot with a long dark hair. The legs are yellowish brown with dark annulation.[2]
Males can be distinguished by the distinctive structure of their pedipalps, particularly the tegular apophysis which has an upper branch directed retrolaterad and a composite lower branch with numerous minute spinulae and verruciform outgrowths. The embolus is long with a rounded, non-sclerotized widening before the tip.[2]
Females are characterized by their epigyne structure, which features an epigynal cavity that is wider than long and posteriorly open. The spermathecae are comparatively large, somewhat spherical, and situated close to the midline. The central part of the epigynal cavity contains an elevated, triangular septum that tapers backwards.[2]
Etymology
The specific epithet fidelis is Latin meaning "faithful" or "loyal".
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Kronestedt, T.; Zyuzin, A.A. (2009). "Fixation of Lycosa fidelis O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872 as the type species for the genus Wadicosa Zyuzin, 1985 (Araneae: Lycosidae), with a redescription of the species". Contributions to Natural History. 12: 813–828.
↑ Wunderlich, J. (1992). "Die Spinnen-Fauna der Makaronesischen Inseln: Taxonomie, Ökologie, Biogeographie und Evolution". Beiträge zur Araneologie. 1: 1–619.
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