The Wolf Spider
It's not a wolf that looks like a spider or a spider that looks like a wolf. It's simply a spider, but then why is it called a wolf spider? That is because people used to think that these spiders hunted in packs for their food, but they don't. They do however hunt alone, some chasing and even pouncing. Unlike other spiders, the Wolf Spider does not spin webs. Most live solitary lives. The wolf spiders are quite similar to the nursery spiders.
There are more than 100's of species of wolf spiders in just the USA and Canada. At present there are probably over 200 species worldwide. It's quite difficult to know how many exactly as there are always more being discovered. They are very common in the USA, especially California. They're known as the California Wolf Spiders there.
There are many, many wolf spiders so it's safe to say that they are not endangered. Perhaps a specific species is, but on the whole there are a lot of wolf spiders.
 |
The wolf spider has 8 eyes: 4 small eyes in the front, 2 large eyes in the center and 2 medium eyes at the sides. They have very good eyesight and are nocturnal spiders. |
 © Spiderz Rule! User Unknown |
Wolf spiders are big, hairy spiders. They can range in size from 10 to 40mm or even from 1/2 to 2 inches depending on the species of wolf spider. They are usually brown and grey in color and have various markings and lines on their body. They depend on this coloring for camouflage.
 |
One very unique feature would be that unlike other spiders, Wolf spiders carry their eggs having them attached to their spinnerets. Even though they are carrying the eggs, they can still hunt. It doesn't inconvenience them in any way. Once the eggs hatch, the spiderlings climb their mothers back and stay their until they are ready to live on their own. |
The wolf spider is found in all parts of the world including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. They are not found in cold spots like Greenland, or Antarctica.They can be found both coastal and inland. Mostly they are from North America and Australia.
Most wolf spiders are wanderers with no real home. They have however made homes in:
Wolf Spiders eat:
They are also known to be cannibals.
Wolf Spiders have a poisonous venom, but are not deadly or really dangerous. However if the bite penetrates the skin, it causes swelling, serious pain, and itchiness. Depending on the person, it could last for a couple of minutes or days. Also, if children or the elderly are bitten, medical treatment is needed.