Wolf Spiders in South Dakota - Species, Bites, and Tips for Homes

Wolf Spiders in South Dakota

Wolf spiders are common throughout the state of South Dakota. There are two main species that reside in the state - the Carolina wolf spider and the rabid wolf spider. Wolf spiders can be identified by their hairy bodies, long legs, and eyes arranged in three rows. While the majority of wolf spiders pose no threat to humans, some bites can cause mild irritation or swelling. Understanding more about the behavior and habitat of South Dakota's wolf spiders can help residents coexist safely with these predators.

Characteristics of Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders belong to the Lycosidae family, consisting of over 100 species worldwide. They get their name from their tendency to actively hunt down prey, much like wolves. Wolf spiders use camouflage and speed to their advantage when seeking food.

There are a few key physical traits that help identify wolf spiders:

• Hairy bodies with dark brown, tan, grey, or black coloring
• Eight eyes arranged in three rows
• Long, robust legs designed for speed
• Females are larger than males

The hair on a wolf spider's body allows it to blend into leaf litter, bark, rocks, vegetation and other environments where they hunt. Their eyes have excellent vision, even at night due to light-sensitive tissue beneath the middle eyes. Wolf spiders don't build webs - they rely on stealth and speed to capture prey.

South Dakota Wolf Spider Species

The two most common wolf spiders found in South Dakota are the Carolina wolf spider (Hogna carolinensis) and the rabid wolf spider (Rabidosa rabida). Here is an overview of their distinguishing features:

Carolina Wolf Spider

• Medium to large size - Females up to 1.5 inches, males around 1 inch
• Brownish-grey and black patterned body
• White marks forming stripes on cephalothorax (head)
• Found throughout the state in woodlands and grassy areas

Rabid Wolf Spider

• Very large size - Females over 2 inches long with legspan over 5 inches
• Velvety black body with distinct geometric white marks on abdomen
• Prefers open grasslands, pastures, and prairies
• Most active March to October

The rabid wolf spider is one of the largest species found in the United States. They are speedy, ground-dwelling hunters adept at chasing down prey. Their size and marking makes them easy to identify.

Wolf Spider Habits and Behavior

Wolf spiders are primarily ground dwellers. They dig shallow burrows or hide under rocks, logs, leaf litter, or low vegetation. Debris piles, unused animal burrows, holes, and crevices also provide shelter.

These spiders are wandering hunters and do not spin webs. They stalk prey slowly, blending into their surroundings, and then chase down and pounce on the victim. Wolf spiders inject venom to subdue crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, cockroaches, and other insects.

Female wolf spiders carry egg sacs attached to their spinnerets until the eggs hatch. Young spiderlings will climb onto the mother's back and ride around for a week or two before dispersing. Females are highly protective of their egg sacs and young.

Wolf spiders are mostly active at night or early morning when seeking food. During the day, they typically rest in burrows or other hiding spots. In cool weather or winter, wolf spiders may be active during daytime as well since they rely on ambient temperatures to regulate body heat.

Wolf Spider Bites

All spiders have venom used to subdue prey. However, the majority of spiders have venom too weak to cause issues in humans. Wolf spider bites are very uncommon and incidents are greatly exaggerated. In general, their personalities are described as skittish and non-aggressive.

Wolf spiders will only bite under accidental contact or if they feel extremely threatened. Symptoms of a bite may include:

• Mild swelling, redness, and itching at the bite site
• Mild muscle cramps
• Headache or nausea in severe reactions

Any neurotoxic venom effects are extremely rare. Seek medical evaluation if bitten, but expect symptoms to remain localized and resolve within a few days.

Try to remain calm if bitten. Do not immediately kill the spider - take a photo or capture it for identification if possible. Clean the bite area well with soap and water.

Avoiding Wolf Spiders In and Around South Dakota Homes

Follow these tips to discourage wolf spiders from taking up residence in or around your home:

• Remove leaf litter, debris piles, rocks, and logs around the foundation
• Seal cracks, holes, and gaps in siding, foundation, doors, and windows
• Keep grass trimmed short and bushes pruned away from the house
• Reduce moisture sources by fixing leaky pipes, outdoor faucets, and directing drainage away from home
• Use yellow bug lights at entry points to deter nighttime spider wandering
• Apply pesticides for other insects - this reduces food sources for spiders

Check shoes, clothing, and equipment before entering the house. Inspect firewood before bringing it indoors. Shake out camping gear that has been stored in sheds or garages. Be thorough when cleaning attics, basements, garages, sheds, and yards where spiders may hide.

Wolf Spider Bites vs Other South Dakota Spider Bites

Bites from spiders like black widows and brown recluses pose greater danger to humans than wolf spider bites. While rare in South Dakota, it is still important to be able to identify them:

Black Widow Spider

• Shiny black body with distinct red hourglass shape on abdomen
• Smaller size - body 1/2 inch, legspan 1 to 1.5 inches
• Neurotoxic venom - can cause muscle aches, nausea, breathing issues
• Build messy cobwebs in dark, sheltered areas like garages, sheds, woodpiles

Brown Recluse Spider

• Uniform brownish-yellow body 1/4 to 3/4 inch with dark violin shape on cephalothorax
• Long, thin legs lack hair
• Cytotoxic venom destroys cell membranes, causes ulcers
• Prefer quiet, undisturbed spaces like attics, closets, woodpiles

While the spiders above are unlikely home intruders in South Dakota, those bitten by suspected black widows or brown recluses should seek medical care immediately. Bring the spider for identification. Seek emergency medical care for serious symptoms like seizures, fever, severe pain, or areas of dying tissue at the bite.

Coexisting with Wolf Spiders in Your Home

Wolf spiders play an important role in controlling insect populations. They generally do not thrive indoors, but may wander inside a home by mistake. Follow these humane tips for removing wolf spiders:

• Scoop up spiders in a cup and release them outdoors
• Discourage entry by sealing cracks around the home
• Avoid pesticide sprays which are largely ineffective and dangerous
• Clean up spider webs and egg sacs with a broom or vacuum
• Remove indoor habitats like firewood piles and excess clutter

Teach children to admire wolf spiders from a distance and to notify an adult if they need removal. Always supervise young children when playing outdoors among woodpiles or dense vegetation where spiders may hide.

Wolf spiders play an important

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.