Examining the Impressive Wolf Spiders Found in Arizona
With over 200 species, wolf spiders are some of the most common spiders found throughout Arizona. Ranging in size from tiny to large, these ground-dwelling spiders inhabit a variety of habitats across the state. While the majority of wolf spiders pose no threat, some large species can deliver a painful defensive bite if provoked.
Unique Traits of Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders belong to the Lycosidae family and possess several distinctive characteristics:
- Robust, hairy bodies in cryptic brown, grey, or tan colors
- Four pairs of eyes arranged in three rows
- Excellent vision for hunting
- Swift ground runners that chase down prey
- Do not build webs for catching food
- Females carry egg sacs attached to their spinnerets
- Most live solitary lives and hunt alone
These athletic spiders rely on camouflage, speed, and vision to pursue insect prey across the ground. Their genus name "Lycosa" derives from the Greek word for wolf, reflecting their fierceness as predators.
Habits and Behaviors
Wolf spiders are primarily nocturnal or active at dawn and dusk. During the day they usually rest in cool, hidden spots like under rocks, logs, leaf litter, or vegetation. They do not spin webs for catching prey but instead actively hunt on foot.
At night, wolf spiders emerge to seek food. They rely on keen eyesight to spot and ambush passing insects and other small invertebrates. The spiders often chase down prey once detected. They immobilize victims using venom injected via their chelicerae fangs.
Female wolf spiders exhibit extensive maternal care. After mating, a female will produce an egg sac attached to her spinnerets, containing up to several hundred eggs. She carries this egg case around continuously, ensuring optimal conditions for the developing spiderlings inside.
Once the eggs hatch after a few weeks or months, the tiny baby spiders climb onto their mother's abdomen for dispersal. They will ride on her back for several days after hatching, protected from predators. The mother provides this intensive maternal care until the spiderlings are ready to detach and live independently.
Habitats Around Arizona
Wolf spiders occupy an exceptionally diverse range of habitats in Arizona due to the large number of species. Different wolf spiders thrive in grasslands, forests, deserts, valleys, mountains, urban areas, and more.
Some prefer hot, arid habitats like desert scrub. The Antrodiaetus unicolor wolf spider is found in rocky desert washes and canyon bottoms. Others inhabit cooler elevations in oak or pine forests. The Hogna antelucana wolf spider dwells in high altitude montane forest.
A number favor grassy fields and pastures. The Tigrosa helluo wolf spider hunts in open grassy areas statewide. Some large species inhabit vertical spaces like cracking mud flats. The fishing spider Dolomedes scriptus perches along streams to pounce on insects.
Common Arizona Wolf Spider Species
Let's examine some of the most frequently encountered wolf spiders found in the diverse ecosystems of Arizona:
Arizona Hogna Wolf Spider
The Arizona hogna (Hogna antelucana) is a robust wolf spider reaching 1.5 inches in body length. It has a patterned brown body and legs. This species lives in mountain pine-oak forests at elevations between 5,000-10,000 feet.
The Arizona hogna hunts on the forest floor and in pine needle duff. It mates in spring and summer. The female carries her egg sac attached to her spinnerets as she continues to actively hunt.
Grey Labidognatha Wolf Spider
The grey labidognatha (Labidognatha greywall) is a smaller wolf spider around 0.5 inches long. It has a pale grey-brown body with faint striping on its cephalothorax. As its name suggests, this spider inhabits grey-colored substrates.
It is native to desert scrub habitat throughout Arizona. This genus has a distinguishing feature of only six eyes instead of the typical eight. The grey labidognatha wolf spider hunts at night on the desert ground for termites and other small prey.
Dark Fishing Spider
The dark fishing spider (Dolomedes tenebrosus) is one of the largest wolf spiders in Arizona, reaching up to 2 inches long. It has a dark brown body with lighter striping on its legs. As a fishing spider, it dwells along streams, rivers, and lakes.
This spider does not build a web. Instead, it waits motionless on vegetation overhanging water to ambush insects. It also hunts underwater, injecting venom to immobilize aquatic prey like small fish and tadpoles. Its hairs trap air to breathe underwater.
Desert Grass Spider
The desert grass spider (Aglaoctenus castaneus) inhabits scrublands and grasslands in southern Arizona. A small species under 0.5 inches long, it has a light brown body with reddish-brown legs. As its name indicates, this spider hides in low vegetation at ground level.
The desert grass spider remains in burrows under plants during the day. At night it emerges to actively chase down small insects and other arthropods on the ground. The female carries her round egg sac attached to her spinnerets.
Tigrosa Helluo Wolf Spider
Tigrosa helluo is a common wolf spider found throughout the state. Reaching 0.75 inches long, it has variable coloration from solid brown to grey-brown with striping on its legs and cephalothorax.
This agile hunter occupies grasslands, fields, and scrublands. It utilizes speed and vision to chase down prey like crickets, beetles and caterpillars on the ground. The female Tigrosa helluo performs diligent maternal care, carrying her egg case while hunting.
Wolf Spider Bites
The majority of wolf spiders in Arizona are not dangerous to humans. They are reluctant to bite and will usually escape rather than defend themselves if disturbed. However, some of the largest species can inflict defensive bites that are quite painful.
Potent Venom
All wolf spiders possess venom used to subdue prey. While their venom only poses significant risk to small insects and animals, it can be toxic to humans in rare cases.
The venom contains a complex cocktail of neurotoxins, cytotoxins, phospholipases and other components. Exact venom composition and potency varies by species. The desert hairy scorpion, which shares habitat with some Arizona wolf spiders, is thought to have venom adapted for defense against spider toxins.
Defensive Biting
Wolf spiders rarely bite humans unless handled roughly, trapped, or contacted in vulnerable areas like beds or clothing. Female wolf spiders defending an egg sac can also act defensively towards perceived threats.
Some wolf spiders may first raise their front legs and display their fangs as a warning display. Biting is a last resort. Wolf spider fangs are large enough to penetrate human skin and inject venom.
The most hazardous bites come from very large species, like the fishing spider Dolomedes tenebrosus which can inflict a painful, though rarely medically significant, bite. Seek medical attention if bitten by any sizable wolf spider.
Bite Symptoms
Wolf spider bites cause a stinging, tearing sensation initially as the fangs enter the skin. Pain and redness develop rapidly around the injured area. Other common symptoms include:
- Intense pain spreading outward
- Itching and tingling
- Mild swelling and inflammation
- Headache
- Nausea
- Malaise
More severe symptoms like vomiting, muscle spasms and skin ulcers can occur but are uncommon. Reaction severity depends on an individual's sensitivity to the venom proteins.
Some people may only experience a minor pin-prick bite with mild burning. Seek emergency medical care if bite symptoms seem excessive or life-threatening.
Arizona Wolf Spider Bite Treatment
While most Arizona wolf spider bites do not require medical intervention, take these steps to relieve symptoms and promote healing:
Clean the Wound
Use soap and cool water to gently wash the bite area and remove any venom residue. This will minimize local reaction. Do not scrub harshly.
Ice the Bite
Applying an ice pack wrapped in cloth to the bite reduces swelling, inflammation and pain. Apply for 10-20 minutes every few hours as needed.
Elevate the Area
Raising the bitten limb above heart level slows venom absorption and dispersion. Gravity drainage reduces swelling.
Use OTC Medications
Over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen (Tylenol) help relieve bite pain and headaches. Oral antihistamines like Benadryl can reduce skin itching.
Monitor for Infection
Topical antibiotic ointment discourages infection development. Watch for spreading redness, warmth and pus indicating infection requiring medical treatment.
Get Medical Care if Needed
Seek emergency medical help if bite symptoms worsen or seem life-threatening. Severe pain, paralysis or difficulty breathing require immediate evaluation.
Note the Spider's Appearance
Try to get a visual ID of the spider if possible. This helps healthcare providers pinpoint the species and venom components involved. However, avoid endangering yourself trying to capture the spider.
Wolf Spider Prevention Tips
Use these preventive measures to reduce encounters with wolf spiders in Arizona:
De-clutter
Reduce hiding spots by keeping floors and surfaces clear of debris and clutter indoors and out. Spider-proof regularly.
Seal Cracks
Caulk and seal any foundation cracks, crevices, or openings around windows. This blocks spider entry points into the home.
Install Lighting
Install bright outdoor lighting to deter wandering spiders at night. Illuminate dark corners prone to spiders.
Clear Vegetation
Prune dense vegetation that provides shade and cover near the home's perimeter. Create a buffer zone inhospitable to spiders.
Vacuum Indoors
Use a vacuum regularly on floors and crevices to remove webs and wandering spiders inside.
Inspect Items Before Moving
Check under or shake out any logs, furniture, boxes, or debris before grabbing or moving them. Avoid startling hidden spiders.
Wear Gloves and Long Sleeves
Wear protective clothing like gloves and long sleeves when cleaning garages or basements. This protects from accidental brushes with spiders.
Understanding wolf spider behavior and bite symptoms can help Arizona residents coexist safely with these fascinating predators sharing our living spaces.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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