Wolf Spider
Scientific Name: Lycosidae (Family designation, specific genus/species is difficult to determine from image alone)
Order & Family: Order: Araneae, Family: Lycosidae
Size: Body length typically 0.4 to 3.5 cm (0.16 to 1.38 inches), with leg spans considerably larger depending on the species.
Natural Habitat
Found in a wide range of habitats including grasslands, forests, deserts, and suburban gardens. They often live on the ground, under rocks, logs, or leaf litter, and can sometimes be found in homes.
Diet & Feeding
Mainly insects and other small invertebrates. They are opportunistic predators.
Behavior Patterns
Wolf spiders are solitary hunters, generally active at night, though some species may hunt during the day. They do not build webs to catch prey but actively chase it down. Females carry their egg sacs attached to their spinnerets and, after hatching, the spiderlings ride on the mother's back for a period before dispersing.
Risks & Benefits
Risk: Bites can occur if provoked, but are generally not dangerous to humans. Symptoms usually include localized pain, redness, and swelling, similar to a bee sting. Benefit: They are beneficial predators, controlling populations of various insect pests.
Identified on: 7/9/2025