Hobbies And Interests
Size
Wolf spiders range in size from less than 1 to just over 30 mm long. The Carolina Wolf spider (Hogna carolinensis) can attain a body length of around 35 mm. On the other side of the coin, the Zoica minuta, an Australian wolf spider, is very small, rarely exceeding 1 mm. The average size for all wolf spiders is around 0.5 to 1 inch (body length, longer when legs extended).
Eyes
Unlike other spiders, which have multiple eyes of the same size, the wolf spiders have two large eyes in the middle of their head, a row of four small eyes underneath these and two medium-sized eyes located above and lateral. Their eyes are excellent light reflectors, giving them a glowing effect when they are viewed with a flashlight at night.
Coloration
Wolf spider coloration almost always matches that of their environment, ranging from dark grays to brown to black. They do not use fancy coloration or markings akin to spiders like the black widow, with its bright red violin shape, or the orb weavers, which can have striking patterns of yellow and black. Instead, wolf spider coloration is due to their dependency on camouflage for protection against predators.
Toxicity
All wolf spiders have venom, but their toxicity to humans is minimal and they are not inherently dangerous to humans. Almost all wolf spider bites will result in slight swelling, itching or burning. The spiders' venom is designed to paralyze insects, upon which they feed. As such, wolf spiders may be used for pest control in fields or homes.
Eggs and Young
Wolf spiders generally are very good parents. A female wolf spider will carry her egg sack around under her belly, attached to her spinnerets, until the eggs hatch. Once the eggs hatch, the spiderlings will live upon their mother's back and she will carry them around wherever she goes until they are large enough to survive on their own.