Ground Wolf Spider, Rustic Wolf Spider
Trochosa species (likely Trochosa terricola)
Lycosidae (Wolf Spiders), Order Araneae. Characterized by large eyes and active hunting.
Physical Description
A robust, stout-bodied spider with a pear-shaped cephalothorax and an oval-shaped abdomen. The body is covered in fine, short hairs giving it a velvety texture. It has a powerful build designed for running and pouncing.
Size Estimate
Body length approximately 10-15mm (0.4-0.6 inches) with a total leg span of 25-35mm. This appears to be an adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Reddish-brown to dark brown base. It displays a characteristic light-colored median stripe on the cephalothorax containing two dark longitudinal 'dashes' or marks near the front, which is diagnostic for the Trochosa genus.
Web Type
Non-web builder. These are wandering hunters that may silk-line a silk retreat or burrow under rocks and leaf litter, but they do not use a web to catch prey.
Eye Arrangement
Three rows of eyes: a bottom row of 4 small eyes, a middle row of 2 very large forward-facing eyes, and a top row of 2 medium eyes set further back. This provides excellent 360-degree vision.
Leg Characteristics
Medium-length, thick, and hairy. They are well-muscled for rapid sprints. Often darker or slightly banded toward the tips; spines are present but less prominent than in other wolf spider genera.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses mild venom designed to paralyze small insects. It is not considered medically significant to humans; the chemical makeup is complex but lacks the neurotoxins of dangerous spiders.
Medical Significance
Low danger. A bite may cause localized pain, redness, and swelling similar to a bee sting. No special medical treatment is usually required unless an allergic reaction occurs.
Safety Recommendations
Harmless to humans; relocation can be done easily using the 'cup and cardboard' method. If found near clovers or in the garden, it is best left alone to continue its pest control duties.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found throughout North America and Europe. They prefer moist ground-level habitats including meadows, gardens, forests, and grassy areas near clovers.
Behavior & Temperament
Solitary, nocturnal hunter. They are generally timid and will choose to run and hide rather than bite. They are highly active on the ground during the night.
Diet & Prey
Carnivorous. Feeds on a variety of ground-dwelling insects like crickets, beetles, and other small invertebrates. They overpower prey with speed and strength.
Seasonal Activity
Most active from late spring through autumn. Males are often seen wandering more frequently in late summer searching for mates.
Description
This is a quintessential ground hunter often found in residential gardens. Its dark, rustic tones allow it to blend perfectly with mulch and soil while it patrols for pests. It is a beneficial neighbor to have in any green space.
Key Features
The most distinguishing feature is the pair of dark, parallel 'racing stripes' or marks inside the pale band on the head area (cephalothorax).
Similar Species
Often confused with Tegenaria (House Spiders) or other Lycosids like Pardosa, but the specific cephalothorax markings and eye size distinguish Trochosa.
Life Cycle
Females carry their egg sacs attached to their spinnerets at the rear. Once hatched, the spiderlings climb onto the mother's back and are carried for several days before dispersing.
Ecological Importance
Vital for natural pest control. They keep populations of lawn and garden insects in check, acting as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides.
Conservation Status
Common and widespread; no current conservation threats. Thrives in human-modified landscapes like parks and backyards.
Interesting Facts
Unlike many spiders that rely on silk, Trochosa spiders have exceptional eyesight and sensitivity to vibrations, allowing them to track prey movement through the soil.
Photography Tips
Focus on the 'face' to capture the large eyes, or take a top-down (dorsal) shot to clearly show the unique markings on the head for better identification.
User Notes
We just found him near a four leaf clover
Identified: 2026-07-12T16:56:05.481439