Separation of two species standing as Alopecosa aculeata (Clerck) by morphological, behavioural and ecological characters, with remarks on related species in the pulverulenta group (Araneae, Lycosidae)

Study of numerous specimens identified as Alopecosa aculeata (Clerck), according to the prevailing concept, revealed two morphologically distinct forms concluded to represent distinct species. In Sweden, the two species are sympatric. One is identified as A. taeniata (C. L. Koch) earlier regarded as conspccific with either A. aculeata or A. pulverulenta (Clerck)], here found to be widely distributed (outside Sweden material examined from Norway, Finland, the U.S.S.R., the F.R.G., Austria, Switzerland, France, and Italy). Alopecosa aculeata and A. taeniata (both with neotypes designated) are rcdescribed and illustrated. Their courtship behaviour is distinctly different and their habitat preference differs in part. Information on morphology, courtship behaviour, habitat, and phenology in the allied A. cuneata (Clerck) and A. pulverulenta is given. Connections between certain morphological characters and behavioural traits are discussed. A few cases of parasitism by insects (Acroceridac: Ogcodes and Ichncumonidac: Gelis) in A. aculeata are reported.