Hogna

Taxobox
name = "Hogna"

---

image_caption = Hogna helluo
image_width = 250px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Arachnida
ordo = Araneae
subordo = Araneomorphae
familia = Lycosidae
subfamilia = Lycosinae
genus = "Hogna"
genus_authority = Simon, 1885
diversity_link = List of Lycosidae species#Hogna
diversity = 228 species
type_species = "Lycosa radiata"
type_species_authority = Latreille, 1819
range_

range_map_width = 250px
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "H. aspersa"
"H. carolinensis"
"H. ericeticola"
"H. radiata"
"hundreds more"

"Hogna" is a genus of wolf spiders with more than 200 described species. It is found on all continents except Antarctica.

Two species of "Hogna", sometimes confused with each other, are among the largest found in the United States, "Hogna carolinensis" and "Hogna helluo." "Hogna carolinensis" females may have a body length of from convert|22|mm|in|abbr=on to convert|35|mm|in|abbr=on, and "Hogna helluo" from convert|18|mm|in|abbr=on to convert|21|mm|in|abbr=on, with males somewhat smaller. They are fairly easy to distinguish from each other both in gross physical appearance and in their behaviors.

The carapace of "H. carolinensis" is characterized by an overall dark brown coloration, usually without any patterned variations. Its abdomen has a slightly darker stripe down its center, and its ventral side is black. This spider typically dwells in a vertical tube dug into the ground that may reach as deep as eight inches.

The carapace of the somewhat smaller "H. hogna" is characterized by a clearly defined medial stripe from a point between the middle pair of eyes nearly to the point at which the carapace joins the abdomen. The abdomen has a broader light stripe with a darker narrow and tapering form like the head of a lance or a stone arrow point. The underside of the cephalothorax is solid black, but the underside of the abdomen may be spotted with lighter colored patches. This species does not dig tunnels but may create shelters under rocks and similar natural features. "H. hogna" frequently enters houses with the arrival of lower temperatures in autumn. They are inside only in search of warmer temperatures and make every possible effort to stay away from people.

For further information see B.J. Kaston's "Spiders of Connecticut", the chapter on the Lycosidae.