Lycosa Latreille, 1804 (Araneae, Lycosidae) of Israel, with a note on Geolycosa Montgomery, 1904

Lycosa (Araneae, Lycosidae) is a wolf spider genus typical of subtropical latitudes in the western Palearctic. Despite being erected over 200 years ago, taxonomy still unclear. Many species formerly ascribed to it are currently moved other genera, while new described. The Mediterranean basin relatively well known, yet Levantine region, easternmost part basin, has not received much attention since early 20th century. Here, we study from southern Levant using morphological, molecular and behavioral characteristics, delimit found this region. We describe two species: L. hyraculus sp. nov. gesserit re-describe widespread polymorphic species, piochardi Simon, 1876. infraclara Strand, 1913 synonymized with piochardi. By adding novel data phylogeny created by Planas et al. (2013) re-analyzing it, explore relationship Lycosa. discuss habitat preferences Additionally, report burrowing Geolycosa vultuosa (C.L. Koch, 1838) as record Israel, thus extending distribution into Levant.