Wolf Spider (Note: Image has a blue filter applied; natural colors are brown, grey, or tan)
Scientific Name: Family Lycosidae
Order & Family: Order Araneae, Family Lycosidae
Size: 10 to 35 mm (0.4 to 1.38 inches) in body length depending on the species.
Natural Habitat
Found worldwide in diverse habitats including grasslands, forests, wetlands, and gardens; they typically live in burrows or under leaf litter.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; they primarily eat insects such as crickets, ants, and beetles, as well as other small spiders.
Behavior Patterns
Active hunters that do not spin webs to catch prey; they have excellent eyesight and rely on speed and camouflage. Females are known for carrying their egg sacs attached to their spinnerets and later carrying spiderlings on their backs.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits the ecosystem by controlling pest insect populations. They are not aggressive towards humans and their venom is generally not dangerous, typically causing only minor swelling or itching similar to a bee sting.
Identified on: 2/17/2026