Bug Identifier
Wolf Spider
Community identification

Wolf Spider

Family Lycosidae

Order & Family
Araneae: Lycosidae
Size
10 to 35 mm (0.4 to 1.38 inches) body length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in a variety of environments including grasslands, forests, gardens, and sometimes inside homes during cooler weather.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; they are active hunters that prey on insects like crickets, grasshoppers, and other small spiders.

Behavior Patterns

Unlike many spiders, they do not spin webs to catch prey; they chase and pounce on their targets. Females are known for carrying their egg sacs attached to their spinnerets and then carrying their spiderlings on their backs after hatching.

Risks & Benefits

Generally beneficial as they provide natural pest control for gardens and homes. While they are venomous and can bite if provoked or handled, their venom is not typically dangerous to humans, usually causing only minor irritation similar to a bee sting.