Lycosa

Lycosa is a genus of wolf spiders. More than 200 species are found, represented throughout most of the world. Often (incorrectly) called the "true tarantula", Lycosa can be distinguished from common wolf spiders by their relatively large size. This genus includes the European Lycosa tarantula which was once associated with tarantism, a dubious affliction whose symptoms included shaking, cold sweats, and a high fever, asserted to be curable only by the traditional tarantella dance. There is no scientific substantiation of that myth. In fact, the venom of wolf spiders is much less harmful to humans than, e.g., that of the European widow spider of the Theridiidae family.