Wolf Spider (female)

Description:

Big spider! Body nearly an inch long, diameter including legs almost three inches. Formidable-looking. Thin pale line on carapiece (head) near eyes, banded legs, and distinct spots on abdomen identify it as H. aspersa rather than the closely related H. carolinensis. I found it at night, when it was out hunting (these spiders usually hunt at night and hide during the day). It was sitting very still with its legs flat against wall of creekbed. I like spiders, but this one was a little creepy! One of the coolest I've seen in this area.

Habitat:

Dirt/clay wall of ditch with creek in it, in woods. Found around midnight. Lots of branches and vines above its spot on wall. No web visible.

Notes: