![]() They may wander from place to place, and are therefore more likely to be the ones attracted into human habitation when the weather starts to turn colder in autumn. helluo, seek shelter under rocks and other shelters as nature may provide. carolinensis, make deep tubular burrows in which they lurk much of the time. Some members of the Lycosidae, such as H. helluo is variegated and has reds, oranges, and yellows with shades of black. carolinensis is solid black, but the underside of H. helluo, which is somewhat smaller and different in coloration. carolinensis (Carolina wolf spider) is the largest, with a body that can be more than one inch long. Among the Hogna species in the U.S., the nearly solid dark brown H. Hogna is the genus with the largest of the wolf spiders. In general their coloration is appropriate to their favorite habitat. Immediately after the spiderlings emerge from their protective silken case, they clamber up their mother's legs and crowd onto her abdomen.īecause they depend on camouflage for protection, they do not have the flashy appearance of some other kinds of spiders. Another aspect unique to wolf spiders is their method of infant care. ![]() However, despite this handicap, they are still capable of hunting. The abdomen must be held in a raised position to keep the egg case from dragging on the ground. The egg sac, a round silken globe, is attached to the spinnerets at the end of the abdomen, allowing the spider to carry her unborn young with her. Wolf spiders are unique in the way that they carry their eggs. Wolf spiders possess the third best eyesight of all spider species, bested only by jumping spiders of the order Salticidae (who can distinguish colors) as well as the huntsman spiders. This is also especially helpful because the wolf spiders are nocturnal and will be out hunting for food, making it easier to find them. The light from the flashlight has been reflected from the spider's eyes directly back toward its source, producing a "glow" that is easily noticed. They also possess an acute sense of touch.įlashing a beam of light over the spider will produce eyeshine. They depend on their excellent eyesight to hunt. ![]() The bottom row consists of four small eyes, the middle row has two very large eyes (which distinguishes them from the Pisauridae), and the top row has two medium-sized eyes. They have eight eyes arranged in three rows. There are many genera of wolf spider, ranging in body size (legs not included) from less than 0.4 to 1.38 inches (10 to 35 mm). Some will wait for passing prey in or near the mouth of a burrow.įemale of Anoplius concinnus stocks nest with Lycosidaeįemale of Anoplius infuscatus stocks nest with Lycosidaeįemale of Anoplius viaticus stocks nest with Lycosidaeįemale of Arachnospila trivialis stocks nest with Lycosidae Some are opportunistic hunters pouncing upon prey as they find it or even chasing it over short distances. ![]() They live mostly solitary and hunt alone. They are robust and agile hunters with excellent eyesight. They do not usually build a silken retreat.Wolf spiders are members of the family Lycosidae, from the Ancient Greek word "λύκος" meaning "wolf". When not active, wolf spiders rest in cracks in the soil, in burrows, or under rocks or logs. In spring and summer adult females are often found with a white or light-gray egg sac attached to their spinnerets. At night, wolf spiders can often be found by using a head lamp, scanning for reflected eye shines. They move from place to place but stand in one place and wait for prey to approach, then lunge on them. Despite their name they do not pursue prey by running long distances. ![]() The four posterior eyes form a distinctive rectangle or trapezoid on the top of the carapace. Wolf spiders have large and obvious eyes. The body and legs are patterned with subtle hues of brown, gray and black which form excellent camouflage against the dead leaves and debris on the ground where they are found. Wolf spiders are active spiders that may be found day or night.
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