Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders

Wolf spiders are 8-eyed giants, that carry their young with them and don’t spin webs to catch prey.

Geographic Region

Wolf spiders, whose species number in the thousands, are found all around the world.

Natural Habitat

Wolf spiders can be found in a wide range of habitats both coastal and inland. These include shrublands, woodland, wet coastal forest, alpine meadows, suburban gardens, and homes.

Weather Conditions

As the weather cools, wolf spiders leave their outside habitats for warmer surroundings indoors.

Behavior

Wolf spiders are nocturnal and hunt for food in the dark. Unlike most spiders, wolf spiders don't spin webs to catch prey. They usually hang out near the ground, sitting and waiting for prey to come close.

Unique Characteristics

• Wolf spiders have eight eyes arranged in three rows. The bottom row consists of four small eyes, the middle row has two 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.
• Female wolf spiders carry their eggs in a unique way: The egg sac, a round silken globe, is attached to the spinnerets at the end of the abdomen, allowing the spider to carry a batch of live young on her back.