Wolf Spider
Lycosidae (Genus Trochosa or Tigrosa likely)
Lycosidae; Order Araneae. Characterized by large eyes, robust bodies, and lack of capture webs.
Physical Description
A robust, hairy spider with a distinct pear-shaped cephalothorax and an oval-to-triangular abdomen. This specific specimen is an adult female carrying dozens of spiderlings on her back, making the abdomen look lumpy and distorted.
Size Estimate
Estimated body length 15-20mm; leg span approximately 40-50mm. Appears to be a mature adult female.
Coloration & Markings
Mottled brown, tan, and grey camouflage. Features a distinct light-colored median stripe running down the cephalothorax. The abdomen is obscured by darker, brownish spiderlings.
Web Type
None. Wolf spiders are active hunters that do not build webs for prey capture, though they may line retreats with silk.
Eye Arrangement
Three rows: a bottom row of four small eyes, two very large posterior median eyes above them, and two medium posterior lateral eyes further back.
Leg Characteristics
Thick, powerful legs covered in fine sensory hairs and occasional spines. Built for rapid running and pouncing.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Low-potency venom designed to paralyze small insects. Contains digestive enzymes but is not considered medically significant to humans.
Medical Significance
Low danger level. Bites are rare and usually result in mild localized pain, swelling, or itching similar to a bee sting. No special treatment beyond cleaning the area is typically required.
Safety Recommendations
If found indoors, relocate using the 'cup and paper' method. Avoid touching the mother directly, as the spiderlings may scatter in all directions if she is disturbed.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found globally; this type is common in North American gardens, grassy fields, and suburban areas. They often wander into basements or garages.
Behavior & Temperament
Solitary, nocturnal hunters with high speed. They are generally shy and will flee from humans, but can be defensive if cornered or squeezed.
Diet & Prey
Insects such as crickets, moths, and beetles, as well as other small arthropods. They use high-speed ground pursuit to overpower prey.
Seasonal Activity
Most visible in late summer and autumn when females are carrying young and males are searching for mates.
Description
An impressive example of arachnid maternal care, the Wolf Spider is a vital terrestrial predator. This female is currently serving as a mobile nursery for her brood.
Key Features
Large posterior median eyes and the presence of spiderlings riding on the abdomen (a trait unique to the Lycosidae family).
Similar Species
Nursery Web Spiders (Pisaurina) carry egg sacs in their jaws and build 'nurseries' rather than carrying young on their backs; Grass Spiders (Agelenopsis) have prominent spinnerets and build funnel webs.
Life Cycle
Unique maternal care: females carry egg sacs attached to their spinnerets. Once hatched, spiderlings climb onto the mother's abdomen and ride there for several days until they are ready to disperse.
Ecological Importance
Critical for natural pest control; they consume vast quantities of garden pests and agricultural insects annually.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN, but generally abundant and stable throughout their range.
Interesting Facts
Wolf spiders have excellent night vision due to a tapetum lucidum—a reflective layer behind the retina that makes their eyes 'glow' when hit by a flashlight at night.
Photography Tips
Focus on the cephalothorax to capture the eye arrangement. Use a macro lens or 'portrait' mode to show the individual spiderlings on the back.
Identified: 2026-06-20T12:29:00.405714