[2] Artoriinae are distinguished from all other Lycosidae by the presence of an apophysis at the base of the embolus (basoembolic) on the male palpal bulb.

This apophysis can be thin and lamellar, as in some Diahogna and Tetralycosa, very strongly sclerotized, as in Artoria, or may have a finger-like protrusion, as in Anoteropsis.

[1] The subfamily Artoriinae was first proposed by Volker W. Framenau in 2007 on the basis of a morphological feature of the male palpal bulb.

The support for the placement of the subfamilies was variable, although those identified in the study were monophyletic with the exception of Lycosinae, in which Pardosinae was embedded.

[2] Framenau in 2007 had suggested a post-Gondwanan origin, i.e. less than 60 million years ago, although the South American species were not then included.

[2] Venoniinae Zoicinae Evippiinae Sosippinae Artoriinae Hippasinae Tricassinae Allocosinae Lycosinae + Pardosinae Eight genera were placed in the subfamily in 2007.