Appearance
Whereas average body length for "Tigrosa" can range from 10 to 31 mm for females and 11 to 24 mm for males, "T. helluo" body length averages 17 mm. Compared to its close relative "T. aspersa", "T. helluo" is much smaller. "T. helluo" is also often mistaken for "Pisaurina mira", the nursery web spider, due to the physical resemblance. However, the carapace of "T. helluo" consists of a brownish color contrasting with a distinctive yellow stripe that extends from the anterior eyes to the cephalothorax. Starting from the posterior median eyes, a set of fainter yellow stripes extends posteriorly. In addition, the underside of the abdomen is marked with several black spots. Patterns found on the dorsal side of the cephalothorax and abdomen are similar to those found on "T. georgicola"; however, the faint yellow stripes appearing on "T. helluo" do not extend as far. Black spots found on the abdomen of "T. helluo" are also not found on "T. georgicola". Coloration in the legs differs between sexes, with males' legs appearing yellow without distinct markings and females' legs appearing reddish brown without additional markings or bands.Distribution
"T. helluo" can be found throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It primarily resides along the East Coast in the New England region but can be found along the entire East Coast down to Florida. "T. helluo" resides in most states in the eastern half of the United States. It can be found as far west as Kansas and Nebraska.Behavior
Mating for "T. helluo" usually occurs in May or June. Males will live for just over one year while females will often live for around two years. Maturation occurs in males between May and September. Egg sacs are made in May and July and can range from 8 to 12 mm in diameter. The eggs by themselves can appear tan or yellow and are around 1 to 2 mm in diameter. Females will carry these eggs in an egg sac on their back until they hatch. Even after hatching, the female will continue to carry the hatchlings on her back until they mature enough to hunt by themselves. Female maturation can occur at any point during the year. Once mature, females will begin to overwinter during colder months. Males will typically die before it gets too cold.As "T. helluo" matures, it will molt periodically. Time and duration of molting is dependent on nutritional intake and consequent growth potential. The frequency of molting is based on the nutritional reserves of an individual "T. helluo". Individuals that feed more often will molt less frequently during maturation.A 1999 study examining the effect of feeding on burrow construction for "T. helluo" reported that hunger level significantly impacts its behavioral decisions. In comparison to starved spiders, well-fed individuals had a better nutritional state and made significantly more burrows. Since males do not make burrows, they were not included in the study.While wolf spiders are solitary and do not usually associate with others outside mating, communication between individual spiders does occur occasionally. Wolf spiders have some of the best vision of all spiders, so they use visual cues, such as waving their pedipalps, to signal to each other for mating. They are also sensitive to vibrations, scent, and taste.
Habitat
In the United States, "T. helluo" can be found in a large variety of states in woods, marshes, and even grassy areas in northeastern states such as Connecticut. Females' nests are often found under stones or boards in fields and woods. These nests consist of burrows lined with silk. However, in states like Florida and Mississippi, "T. helluo" is most often found in wetter areas such as marshes and lakes.Reproduction
Mating for "T. helluo" usually occurs in May or June. Males will live for just over one year while females will often live for around two years. Maturation occurs in males between May and September. Egg sacs are made in May and July and can range from 8 to 12 mm in diameter. The eggs by themselves can appear tan or yellow and are around 1 to 2 mm in diameter. Females will carry these eggs in an egg sac on their back until they hatch. Even after hatching, the female will continue to carry the hatchlings on her back until they mature enough to hunt by themselves. Female maturation can occur at any point during the year. Once mature, females will begin to overwinter during colder months. Males will typically die before it gets too cold.As "T. helluo" matures, it will molt periodically. Time and duration of molting is dependent on nutritional intake and consequent growth potential. The frequency of molting is based on the nutritional reserves of an individual "T. helluo". Individuals that feed more often will molt less frequently during maturation.
Food
"T. helluo" is able to feed on a large variety of prey and thus enjoys a mixed diet of different insects. A 1992 study assessing the effects of polytypic versus monotypic diets on wolf spiders found that "T. helluo" individuals raised on polytypic diets had significantly higher survivorship and reached sexual maturity earlier than individuals consuming a monotypic diet. Certain body parts like the cephalothorax and legs were also significantly larger at maturity in the polytypic diet group.A 1999 study examining the effect of feeding on burrow construction for "T. helluo" reported that hunger level significantly impacts its behavioral decisions. In comparison to starved spiders, well-fed individuals had a better nutritional state and made significantly more burrows. Since males do not make burrows, they were not included in the study."T. helluo" typically switches between a few different foraging sites. Females build burrows of silk and wait for prey to show up in their current foraging site. Males typically roam around and wait for prey. Like all wolf spiders, "T. helluo" is a solitary hunter and will hunt alone, meeting with other spiders only to mate.A 2001 study examining chemical cues in "T. helluo" suggests that "T. helluo" is able to detect chemical cues from recently hunted prey. The spiders will show a preference for chemical cues that match that of their most recently hunted prey. Thus, further hunting activities will show a dietary preference for the prey species most recently consumed.It has also been shown that the presence of glyphosate-based herbicide affects prey capture behavior of "T. helluo". In the presence of herbicide, "T. helluo" is better able to detect and orient itself towards prey and therefore is able to subdue prey more efficiently.
Predators
Although they are hunters, wolf spiders are also preyed upon by other organisms such as praying mantises, birds, wasps, small reptiles, and even other spiders. Lycosidae have fantastic vision and are sensitive to vibrations, so they use these senses to detect and evade predators. They also use their speed and camouflage from their natural coloring to avoid predators. Females of the species "T. helluo" make burrows in secluded habitats, such as underneath stones, that can also function as a place to hide from predators. If needed, "T. helluo" can also bite predators and inject venom.References:
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