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Common Wolf Spiders

Globally there are, 37,500 species of spiders and 2,000 of these are varieties of wolf spiders. Wolf spiders, known by the latin name rhabidosa rabida, are solitary spiders that live in nearly every part of the world. It is this hunting activity that earned them the common name "wolf" spider." They are not particularly dangerous spiders and generally will do nothing if not provoked, but many of them bear a strong resemblance to the highly venomous brown recluse, so it is a good idea to exercise caution when approaching them.

Appearance
- Wolf spiders are 1/2 to 2 inches long although they may be up to 4 inches in length, with their legs included. Their colors can vary in shades of black, brown and grey because they live all over the world and rely heavily on camouflage. Wolf spiders look similar to small tarantulas. They are hairy and have powerful legs designed for running. All varieties have two forward-looking eyes and a row of four smaller eyes underneath. Like all spiders, wolf spiders have 6 legs, an exoskeleton and two primary body segments, the cephalothorax at the front and the abdomen at the rear.
Habitat
- Wolf spiders live in nearly any habitat. They are known to live in coastal regions, forests, meadows, in both wet and dry areas and in human gardens. Some wolf spiders are wanderers, finding a place to rest when they are tired and others live in small burrows. They are capable of producing silk but do not build or live in webs. Wolf spiders greatly prefer the outdoors to the indoors and will rarely be found in houses unless they are looking for a warm place to spend the winter.
Hunting
- Like most spiders, wolf spiders feed on smaller insects such as crickets, ants and other spiders. Because they are hunters and not web builders they do not usually eat flying insects. Particularly large spiders have been known to eat small amphibians and reptiles. Wolf spiders rely heavily on camouflage and can move very quickly. They hunt at night and catch prey with their front legs before crushing it with their jaws.
Life and Reproduction
- Wolf spiders can live for up to five years. The males die in the summer months, just after mating and the females the following spring after the young are born. The spiders carry their egg sack on their abdomen so that it travels with them. After birth the young, which can number in the hundreds, will climb onto the mother and continue to ride on the abdomen. After about a week the baby spiders disburse and begin lives of their own.
Venom
- Wolf spiders are not dangerous to humans. They are not aggressive toward people and will only bite if frightened or provoked. If a wolf spider does bite the venom will only cause minor swelling and itching unless the spider continues to be provoked and bites multiple times. People who are particularly sensitive to spider bites, or people who have a prolonged or excessive reaction should consult a physician.

Insects & Science