Wolf Spider Types
Wolf spiders are hunting spiders, running across the ground in search of prey. Most are gray or gray-brown, camouflaged with the ground. Some have stripes. Abundant worldwide, around 200 species of wolf spider inhabit the U.S. These include the Carolina wolf spider, one of the largest U,S. spiders and state spider of South Carolina. Female wolf spiders carry their egg sac around, attached to their spinnerets. Carrying hatched spiderlings on their backs, females will vigorously defend their young.
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Hogna Genus
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The genus Hogna includes the Carolina wolf spider (Hogna carolinensis). Measuring 3 inches across, this burrow-dwelling spider hunts at night. They make burrows in woods, leaf litter and gardens. Colors differ but are usually mottled gray-brown. Males die before winter, but females and juveniles seek winter shelter in or near human habitation. All species of Hogna are large, sturdy spiders. At first glance they resemble tarantulas but are less hairy. Hogna aspersa resembles the Carolina wolf spider but is smaller with a distinct yellow stripe between the eyes. A large, reddish-brown example common in Florida is the Field Wolf spider (Hogna lenta).
Rabid Wolf Spider
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Like the Hogna genus, Rabid wolf spiders (Rabidosa genus) are most common in the Eastern states. They are smaller at about 1-inch long and have distinct stripes. Despite the name, these spiders are not dangerous. One type of rabid wolf spider, Rabidosa rabida, is found in Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska as well as along the Eastern seaboard. Often called Wandering spiders, these are found in cotton fields, woods, under rocks and inside homes.
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Thin-legged Wolf Spiders
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Thin-legged Wolf Spiders (genus Pardosa) are large- to medium-sized spiders that are thin-legged compared to other wolf spiders with more tarantula-like proportions. Some have banded legs and striped bodies; others have one solid body color. Markings differ within the same species or may be similar between species. Lacking reliable distinguishing marks, it is difficult for anyone but an expert to identify the different species of Pardosa.
Kauai Cave Wolf Spider
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Unique to a handful of Hawaiian caves, Kauai cave wolf spiders are blind cave spiders. Reddish brown in color, they are an endangered species in part because the small crustaceans (amphipods) upon which they feed are endangered. Both creatures are impacted by human damage to the cave system. Like their more common cousins, cave wolf spiders carry their young on their backs, aided by special claws on the baby's legs. Lacking eyes, they rely on scent to stalk their prey.
Small Wolf Spiders
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The Rustic wolf spider (Trochosa ruricolor) is tarantula-like in shape but only around one-half inch long. The Ground wolf spider (Trochosa terricola) is similar. Sand-dwelling Beach wolf spiders (Arctosa species) are found on beaches throughout North America. Trochosa and Arctosa are unusual among wolf spiders because they bury their egg sacs in silk-lined tunnels.
Warning
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Wolf spiders will bite if handled or cornered, but the venom is not dangerous. However, some smaller wolf spiders resemble the brown recluse, a spider with a necrotic (ulcerating) bite. A brown recluse bite needs medical attention. If bitten and unsure of identification, seek medical help, taking the spider with you if possible.
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References
- Green Nature; Wolf Spiders; Patricia A. Michaels; 2005-2009
- Orkin Pest Control: Wolf Spiders
- Pennstate College of Agricultural Sciences: Commonly Encountered Pennsylvanian Spiders
- ElPaso Zoo: Fact Sheet: Wolf Spider Rabidosa rabida
- San Diego Natural History Museum: Pardosa sp. Wolf Spider
- Southeastern Outdoors: Endangered Baby Kauai Cave Wolf Spiders Seen for First Time in Thirty Years
Resources
- Ecosmart; Wolf Spiders; Caitlin Leopold; June 2009
- Australian Reptile Park: Wolf Spider
- University of Kentucky Entomology: Pet Bugs: Kentucky Arthropods: Wolf Spiders
- Animal Aqua: Kauai Cave Wolf Spider
- Arkive: Wolf Spider
- Toronto Wildlife: Wolf Spiders
- Iowa State University Bug Guide: Wolf Spiders
- Iowa State University: Bug Guide: Genus Pardosa: Thin-legged Wolf Spiders
- Arachnology.org: Wolf Spider Resources
- UK Natural History Museum: Rustic wolf spider -- Trochosa ruricolor
- Eurospiders: Trochosa terricola
- University of Michigan BioKids: Wolf Spiders
