Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders are capable of defensive bites. They will inject venom if continually provoked. Symptoms of their venomous bite include swelling, mild pain and itching.

Wolf spiders range from less than 1 millimetres to over 1”. They have eight eyes arranged in three rows. The bottom row consists of four small eyes, the middle row has two very large eyes and the top row has two medium-sized eyes. They depend on their excellent eyesight to hunt. They also possess an acute sense of touch.

Wolf spiders are unique in the way that they carry their eggs. The egg sac is attached to the spinnerets at the end of the abdomen, allowing the spider to carry her unborn young with her on her back. The abdomen must be held in a raised position to keep the egg case from dragging on the ground, however despite this handicap they are still capable of hunting.

Wolf spiders can be found in a wide range of habitats ranging from shrublands, woodland, wet coastal forests to alpine meadows, and suburban gardens. Although some species have very specific microhabitats, most are wanderers without permanent homes. They live mostly solitary lives and hunt alone. Some are opportunistic hunters pouncing upon prey as they find it or even chasing it over short distances. Some will wait for passing prey in or near their burrow.