Wolf Spider

Description:

There are many genera of wolf spider, ranging in body size (legs not included) from less than 0.04 to 1.38 in. They have eight eyes arranged in three rows. The bottom row consists of four small eyes, the middle row has two very large eyes (which distinguishes them from the Pisauridae), and the top row has two medium-sized eyes. They depend on their excellent eyesight to hunt. They also possess an acute sense of touch.

Habitat:

Wolf spiders (Lycosidae) Wolf spiders are active hunters that do not produce a prey capture web. They may make a silk lined retreat in soil, under rocks or in other protected sites. Most are grey or brown and some are quite large including the giant wolf spider (Hogna carolinensis) and some burrowing wolf spiders (Geolycosa spp.) which are commonly mistaken for tarantulas. Smaller species somewhat resemble funnel web spiders. An unusual habit of wolf spiders is that the female carries the egg sac attached to her spinnerets. The newly hatched young crawl on the female’s back for the first few weeks of life. Wolf spiders occasionally enter homes, particularly in areas of new development where their habitat was disturbed. They are normally shy and not dangerous to humans, although large species can bite.

Notes:

Quick Facts... Spiders feed solely on insects and other arthropods. This makes them beneficial in helping manage pests. Some spiders wander indoors in the early fall when cooler outdoor temperatures force them to find shelter. Some spectacular spiders are found in webs outdoors in late summer, particularly the banded argiope and the “catface” spiders. Common spiders found indoors include funnel web spiders, cobweb spiders, cellar spiders, and sac spiders.