The wolf spiders are a term given to the members of the Lycosidae family comprising approximately 2300 species divided into over 100 genera. Robust and agile, they are adept hunters known for their powerful eyesight.
Size: These species differ in size ranging between 10 and 35 mm (0.4-1.38 inches).
Color: Wolf spiders have a brown body, though they may also be available in gray and black shades.
Other characteristics: They possess eight eyes arranged in rows of three. These species are highly tactile because of the sensory hairs present on their bodies and legs. Their legs could be heavy (burrowing wolf spiders) or thin (as that of the members of the Pardosa genus).
The sac is round and globe-shaped made of silk, which remains fixed to the female’s spinnerets situated on their abdomen, right at the end. In this manner, it gets easy for them to carry their little ones along always even before they are born.
After emerging from the silken egg case, the spiderlings cling on to the dorsal part of their mother’s abdomen. The female carries the juvenile spiders until they can get about on their own.
They are hunting spiders and are not known to spin webs. Instead, they get after their prey using their strong hunting skills.
Though venomous, having the ability to paralyze their prey, it is not known to be dangerous to humans. They are non-aggressive and would attack only when provoked. Their bite is equivalent to a bee sting causing itching, redness, and pain which may last for a few days.
Lifespan | Approximately one year |
Distribution | Continents of Asia, North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia |
Habitat | Shrublands, west coastal forests, woodland, homes and suburban gardens |
Common Predators | Wasps |
Diet | Cockroaches, ants, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets as well as small reptiles and amphibians |