Lycosidae Zoica

Zoica parvula (Thorell, 1895)

Miniature Wolf Spider

The genus Zoica comprises the smallest wolf spiders. Mature specimens typically measure around 1.5 mm in length; even the largest do not span beyond 2 mm. Apart from their minute size, members of the genus may be recognised in the field by their uniformly coloured carapace and abdomen, both without any distinct pattern. As in Lysania. the abdomen of the male is covered anteriorly by a hairy dorsal scutum.

The species featured here is the designated representative of the genus, with the species name "parvula" rooted in the Latin word for "small". Given its tiny size, together with its translucent legs and cephalothorax, it can easily be mistaken for a juvenile of other wolf spiders. It is separated from other Southeast Asian Zoica species (not found in Singapore) by the details of its genitalia, and by the proportionality its AME to other eyes. In this species, the AME is comparatively larger than those of other Zoica.