Wolf Spider

The wolf spider is fairly large, although they do vary in size, and active spiders that hunts prey rather than catching their prey in a web. They look scarier and more frightening then really are – they will try to avoid people but they can bite.

The wolf spider has excellent eyesight that can help them when they hunt but also keep them safe when a predator is around.

Here are some facts about the wolf spider!

What Does the Wolf Spider Look Like?

Wolf spiders can range in size from ½ inch to 2 inches long. Their color ranges from brown to gray with various markings, depending on their habitat, as their protection and defenses depends on their ability to blend in.

Wolf spiders have 8 eyes in total – 4 small eyes on the bottom, 2 large eyes in the middle, and 2 eyes on top of the head. If you don’t mind being up close and personal, you’ll see all those little eyes – but – all those eyes mean they have excellent night vision for hunting.

The wolf spider is often confused with the brown recluse. While they do look similar, the brown recluse has a distinct violin-shaped marking on the back of their head that the wolf spider does not have.

Do Wolf Spiders Bite?

Normally, the wolf spider is very shy – they will run away when disturbed. However, if they are provoked, they will bite.

While, their venom isn’t deadly or poisonous, it is still painful if you were to get a bite from one of them. A typical reaction to a wolf spider bite is itchiness, swelling and redness. However, the reaction depends on the individual’s immune system and whether or not they’re allergic to the venom.

Where Can You Find Wolf Spiders?

Wolf spiders are found in many places. They can be found in a pile of leaves, grassy meadows, wetlands, the garage, under rocks and wood piles, in shrubs and brush just to name some of the places they live. Pretty much wherever they can hunt food.

Now, when it’s cold outside, wolf spiders can become a common household guest. You may find them hanging out around doors, windows, plants, basements and other areas where they can find refuge over the cold months.

How Does the Wolf Spider Hunt?

Unlike most spiders, the wolf spider does not spin a web to catch its prey Instead, they hunt on the ground looking their prey such as small insects like: crickets, grasshoppers, earwigs, ants, other spiders and flies.

Wolf spiders are agile and muscular, some will chase their prey while others will wait and pounce when the prey is close enough. Once the prey is caught, the wolf spider will hold it down and trap the prey between the legs - then bite.

Wolf Spider Reproduction

When a male finds a female to reproduce with, he does a mating dance, usually involving complex leg movements, although this can vary depending on the species. After mating, the female wolf spider will carry her eggs in a silky sac under her abdomen. When the eggs hatch the babies will hang on her stomach and back until they drop off.

In conclusion, the wolf spider is just a shy creature that wouldn’t hurt anything unless provoked. If you don’t mind spiders and you’re looking for a low maintenance pet, a wolf spider is a great way to go. Just be sure to provide it with a dark place, provide food and water.