Wolf Spider
Scientific Name: Lycosa (though many genera and species exist within the Lycosidae family)
Order & Family: Order: Araneae, Family: Lycosidae
Size: Body length typically ranges from 0.5 to 3.5 cm (0.2 to 1.4 inches), not including leg span. Females tend to be larger than males.
Natural Habitat
Widely distributed, found in various habitats including grasslands, forests, deserts, suburban gardens, and even indoors. They often live on the ground, under rocks, logs, or leaf litter.
Diet & Feeding
Mainly insects and other small invertebrates. They are generalist predators and will eat nearly any appropriately sized prey they can catch.
Behavior Patterns
Wolf spiders are solitary hunters, active at night, and known for their speed and agility. They do not build webs for catching prey, but rather stalk and pounce on their victims. Females carry their egg sac attached to their spinnerets and, after hatching, the spiderlings ride on the mother's back until they are ready to disperse.
Risks & Benefits
Generally beneficial as they prey on many pest insects. Bites are rare and usually only occur if the spider feels threatened. Their venom is not considered medically significant to humans, typically causing only localized pain, redness, and swelling, similar to a bee sting.
Identified on: 9/2/2025