Characterized by its robust build and medium-to-large size, this terrestrial spider displays a marked sexual dimorphism where adult females are considerably larger and more long-lived than males, reaching a body length of 5 to 6 cm and a total leg span of approximately 10 to 13 cm. The overall coloration varies from grayish-brown to dark brown, highlighted by a dense covering of long, soft, reddish-orange or ochre setae distributed over the legs and abdomen. The carapace features distinct radiating light-colored bands contrasting with the darker base color. A defining morphological trait of this taxon is the pronounced thickening of the femur on the fourth pair of legs, which appears noticeably wider and more muscular than the other segments, serving as a vital adaptation for digging. Additionally, it possesses a localized patch of type III and IV urticating hairs on the dorso-posterior region of the abdomen, which are utilized as a passive defense mechanism against potential predators.

Geographical distribution: Occurs exclusively in the temperate and subtropical regions of southern South America, with its geographic range spanning the entirety of Uruguay, northeastern Argentina —specifically within the provinces of Entre Ríos, Corrientes, Misiones, Santa Fe, and northern Buenos Aires— and the southernmost state of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul. This distribution is highly congruent with the open grasslands of the Pampean and Espinal biogeographical provinces.

Habitat: Inhabits temperate grasslands, natural prairies, and open plains characteristic of the Pampa biome. It shows a strict ecological affinity for stable, well-drained clay-loam or silty soils that facilitate the excavation and long-term maintenance of deep, permanent burrows. It is frequently encountered in undisturbed cattle pastures, rolling grassy hills, and transitional plains where the herbaceous cover is dense enough to provide microclimatic buffering against thermal fluctuations and desiccating winds.

Feeding: Exhibits a strictly carnivorous and highly opportunistic predatory behavior, preying upon virtually any animal of suitable size that ventures near its burrow entrance. The primary diet consists of large terrestrial invertebrates, particularly orthopterans (crickets and grasshoppers), coleopterans (beetles), and blattodeans (field cockroaches), alongside other smaller arachnids. On occasion, large adult specimens are fully capable of capturing and consuming small vertebrates, including micromamphibians (frogs), lizards, and neonate rodents.

Behavior: Leads a highly fossorial and nocturnal lifestyle, spending the vast majority of daylight hours concealed inside vertical burrows that can reach depths of 30 to 50 cm. These tunnels are meticulously lined with silk to reinforce the walls and act as an early-warning system by transmitting vibrations from potential prey or threats. Temperamentally, it is notably docile and non-aggressive; when confronted, it prefers to retreat into its burrow or, if cornered, performs a defensive display by flicking its hind legs against the abdomen to release a cloud of irritating urticating hairs, reserving defensive bites with its chelicerae only as an absolute last resort.

Reproduction: Occurs during the warmest months of the year, spanning from late spring to summer, which triggers mature males to abandon their burrows and wander actively across the terrain in search of receptive females. Upon locating a female´s burrow, the male initiates a ritualized courtship consisting of rhythmic drumming with his pedipalps and first pair of legs on the substrate. Following a successful and brief copulation, the female constructs a robust, spherical silk egg sac or ooteca within her burrow, depositing between 150 and 300 eggs. The female exhibits dedicated maternal care, aggressively defending the egg sac and rotating it regularly to ensure optimal developmental conditions until the spiderlings emerge.

Conservation status: Has not been formally assessed globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is currently omitted from its Red List of Threatened Species. Regionally, however, its populations are increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation due to extensive agricultural expansion (primarily soybean farming and commercial forestry), pesticide runoff that reduces prey availability, urban sprawl, and illegal collection for the international exotic pet market.