Wolf Spider Pictures, Bites, and Facts - Identification Guide

What Are Wolf Spiders?

Wolf spiders are a family of spiders with over 2,300 species found worldwide. Some of the most common large, hairy spiders that people encounter in and around their homes are wolf spiders. They get their name from their tendency to actively hunt down their prey, much like wolves hunt rather than building webs to catch food.

Wolf spiders use their speed and superior eyesight to chase down small insects and invertebrates to eat. They play an important role in controlling pest populations but are often feared due to their size and appearance.

Identifying Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders have some key characteristics that distinguish them from other spider species:

Size

Wolf spiders are medium to large in size, ranging from 0.1 inches up to 2 inches (3 cm) in body length depending on exact species.

Color

Most wolf spiders are brown, grey, black, or tan. Some species have dark stripe patterns on their bodies. Females may have a dorsal stripe running down their back.

Legs

They have eight legs like all spiders. Their legs are relatively long compared to body size and very spindly.

Eyes

One feature that sets wolf spiders apart are their large, prominent eyes. They have excellent eyesight with their two big front eyes and other smaller eyes arranged in rows.

Fangs

Wolf spiders have large fangs used to grip prey and inject venom. The fangs point forward from the front of the head rather than downwards like some spiders.

Types of Wolf Spiders

While over 2,000 species exist globally across multiple genera, some of the major categories of wolf spiders are:

Common Wolf Spider

The common wolf spider (Lycosa communis) is one well-known species. They are medium-sized with a mottled brown pattern and can be found worldwide.

Carolina Wolf Spider

The Carolina wolf spider (Hogna carolinensis) inhabits the southeastern United States. They are solid blackish-grey and can grow up to 2 inches long.

Rabid Wolf Spider

The rabid wolf spider (Rabidosa rabida) has a specific light stripe pattern. They are fast-moving spiders found mainly in the midwestern states.

Tiger Wolf Spider

Tiger wolf spiders (Tigrosa georgicola) have yellow and brown striped markings. They inhabit shady forests in the eastern U.S. and Canada.

Pardosa Wolf Spiders

The Pardosa genera has hundreds of small to medium-sized wolf spider species worldwide in a range of colors.

Where Are Wolf Spiders Found?

Wolf spiders live on every continent in the world except Antarctica. They can thrive in diverse habitats including:

• Forests
• Grasslands
• Coastlines
• Mountains
• Deserts
• Rainforests
• Suburban homes

Any environment that provides enough insect prey and shelter for the spiders is suitable. Certain species prefer shady forests while others like dry, sunny areas.

Wolf Spider Habits

Wolf spiders exhibit some fascinating behaviors and habits:

Hunting Style

As skilled hunters, wolf spiders don't spin webs. They actively chase down prey like crickets, flies, grasshoppers and other invertebrates. Their excellent eyesight allows them to detect movement up to a foot away.

Running Speed

To catch prey and elude predators, wolf spiders run extremely fast. Some species can run 35 inches per second, which is equivalent to over 2 miles per hour.

Nocturnal Activity

Many wolf spiders are nocturnal and do most of their hunting at night when insects are active and vulnerable. Their eyes allow them to see well in darkness.

Burrowing

Wolf spiders burrow and live in tubular or funnel-shaped retreats under rocks, logs, vegetation, or in ground holes. Females line burrows with silk for protection.

Ballooning

Babies will climb to an elevated surface and release a strand of silk so the wind carries or "balloons" them away to a new location.

Wolf Spider Life Cycle

Wolf spiders have a complete metamorphosis with distinct life stages:

Egg Sac

In springtime after mating, a female wolf spider produces an egg sac containing anywhere from 10 to 100 eggs encased in a silken cocoon structure.

Spiderlings

The tiny spiderlings emerge within a few weeks from the eggs. They immediately disperse by ballooning away or crawling to new areas.

Maturation

Spiderlings molt several times over 6-12 months as they grow. Once mature, wolf spiders will live another 1 to 2 years in the wild.

Mating

Male wolf spiders mature at around 6 months old and begin seeking mates. Breeding occurs in summer and fall. Males die soon after mating.

Wolf Spider Bites

Though rarely aggressive, wolf spiders will bite humans if threatened or unintentionally contacted. Here's what to expect from a wolf spider bite:

• Mild pain similar to a bee sting at the bite site
• Redness and swelling around the area
• Itching or skin irritation
• Two small puncture wounds from the fangs
• Symptoms usually resolve within a few days
• Rarely cause any significant effects beyond local reaction

Wolf spider venom is not considered dangerous to humans, but bites should be cleaned thoroughly to prevent infection. Seek medical treatment if bite symptoms seem severe or don't improve.

Wolf Spider Bite Treatment

If bitten by a wolf spider, try these first aid measures for relief:

• Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water
• Apply an antiseptic cream to prevent infection
• Cover with a sterile bandage if desired
• Apply a cold compress to relieve swelling
• Take an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine to reduce itching
• Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain
• Watch for any signs of infection or severe reaction and seek medical care if they develop

Avoid folk remedies like squeezing, sucking, or applying ice directly on the spider bite. And do not delay medical treatment if symptoms concern you.

Wolf Spider Control and Prevention

Though mostly harmless, you may wish to control wolf spiders found around your home. Here are some effective tips:

Remove Debris and Vegetation

Wolf spiders seek shelter in woodpiles, dense vegetation, and lawn debris. Keep your yard cleaned up and trimmed.

Seal Entry Points

Use caulk to seal cracks, crevices, openings where utility lines enter the foundation. Install weatherstripping under doors.

Use Insecticides

Apply pesticides outdoors along the foundation and spider entry points. Indoor spider sprays can also be used.

Employ Natural Repellents

Deter spiders by spraying eucalyptus, citrus, peppermint or tea tree oils in entry areas.

Install Outdoor Lighting

Illuminate porches and yard areas to make them less desirable hunting grounds at night.

Remove Their Food Source

Control other insects in your yard to limit the wolf spiders’ prey availability.

Wolf Spider Pictures

Here are some photos illustrating what wolf spiders look like:

Wolf Spider Size

This gives perspective on just how large some wolf spiders grow. Their legspan can be several inches across.

[Insert image of large wolf spider on hand]

Wolf Spider Eyes

A closeup of the eyes shows the uniquely big front eyes along with smaller side eyes of wolf spiders.

[Insert closeup image of wolf spider eyes]

Wolf Spider Coloring

Wolf spiders come in a range of colors like black, brown, grey, tan, with stripes or patterns on the body.

[Insert assorted images showing different wolf spider coloring/patterns]

Wolf Spider Habitats

Wolf spiders inhabit diverse ecosystems across the world from forests to deserts.

[Insert images of wolf spiders in nature/environments]

Wolf Spider Fangs

A macro photo reveals the large fangs that wolf spiders use to capture prey and defend themselves.

[Insert closeup of wolf spider mouth/fangs]

Wolf Spider Egg Sac

Female wolf spiders produce an egg sac or cocoon filled with dozens of eggs.

[Insert image of wolf spider egg sac]

Wolf Spider vs. Huntsman Spider

Two types of spiders people often confuse are wolf spiders and huntsman spiders. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Appearance

Huntsman spiders have longer, gangly legs, while wolf spiders are more compact and fuzzy in appearance.

Eyes

Wolf spiders have rows of small eyes along with two large front eyes. Huntsman spiders just have eight small black eyes clustered together.

Behavior

As the name suggests, wolf spiders actively hunt for prey while huntsman spiders use ambush tactics and wait for passing insects.

Habitat

Huntsman spiders live in tropical regions, but wolf spiders exist worldwide in many different habitats.

Wolf Spider Bite vs. Brown Recluse Bite

Bites from wolf spiders and brown recluses have some similarities but also key differences:

Pain

Wolf spider bites cause a mild stinging pain. Brown recluse bites are often not very painful initially.

Appearance

Wolf spider bites look like small inflamed puncture marks. Brown recluse bites develop into necrotic open wounds.

Effects

Wolf spider bites result in minor skin irritation treatable at home. Brown recluse venom can destroy skin tissues and require surgery.

Geography

Wolf spiders live worldwide while brown recluses mainly inhabit the southern and central U.S.

Are Wolf Spiders Poisonous?

Wolf spiders do have venom, but it is not considered dangerous or medically significant to humans. Some key facts about wolf spider venom:

• Mainly used to subdue insect prey rather than self-defense
• Potent neurotoxin fatal to insects but not mammals
• Very small injection amount minimizes reaction
• Usually only causes mild skin irritation in human bites
• Not life threatening unless person has severe allergic reaction to venom

While their bites can be painful, wolf spiders should not be considered poisonous or deadly to people. Their venom is designed to dispatch much smaller prey.

Are Wolf Spiders Dangerous?

Wolf spiders very rarely present any real hazard or danger. Here's why they can be considered harmless:

• Non-aggressive temperament, bite only if extremely provoked
• No documented cases of significant harm to humans
• Venom not toxic to mammals and minimal health risk
• Cannot kill or feed on humans due to small size and mouthparts
• Do not spread diseases to humans
• Helpful in controlling populations of pest insects

While startling if they appear suddenly, wolf spiders should be tolerated or gently removed from a home rather than killed. They play an important ecological role with very little downside.

Wolf Spider Facts

Some additional interesting facts about wolf spiders include:

• Grow up to 2 inches long, some of world's largest spiders
• Special tufts on legs help trap prey and mates
• Excellent vision allows navigation in darkness
• Carry egg sac attached to spinnerets until spiderlings hatch
• Females often eat males after mating
• Live alone and only interact while breeding
• Can survive year-round outdoors even in cold climates
• Incubate eggs with body warmth during winter

Wolf spiders have evolved into skillful hunters with incredible eyesight unmatched in the spider world. They lead solitary lives and want nothing to do with humans. While startling if encountered indoors, wolf spiders do infinitely more good than harm.

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.