Wolf Spider

Natural Habitat

Wolf spiders are ground dwellers and prefer to live in solitary, often in burrows or under rocks, logs, leaf litter, or other debris. They are found in a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, deserts, and even suburban gardens and homes.

Diet & Feeding

Wolf spiders are predatory hunters, primarily feeding on insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and other spiders. They do not spin webs to catch prey but actively hunt them on the ground. The spider in the image appears to be a female carrying an egg sac, which is a characteristic behavior after mating.

Behavior Patterns

Wolf spiders are solitary and nocturnal, though they can sometimes be seen during the day. Females are known for their distinctive maternal care, carrying their egg sac attached to their spinnerets and, after hatching, carrying the spiderlings on their back until they are old enough to disperse. They are fast runners and can deliver a painful bite if threatened.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Wolf spider bites are generally not considered dangerous to humans. Their venom is mild, typically causing localized pain, redness, and swelling, similar to a bee sting. Allergic reactions are rare but possible. Benefits: They are beneficial predators, helping to control insect populations in gardens and agricultural areas, thus acting as natural pest control.

Identified on: 9/17/2025