The wolf spider does not reflect the traditional concept of a spider. It does not weave the webs with which it captures prey; rather, it chases and hunts them, just as wolves do. While it's true that it looks a lot like the tarantula, the wolf spider is typically smaller and comes from a different family of arachnids. The scientific name of this spider is Lycosidae (Greek for "wolf").
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the Wolf Spider
Step 1. Observe the physical appearance
This spider has some key characteristics: it is hairy, brown or gray in color, with several marked strokes or lines; the female is 34 mm long, while the male about 19 mm.
Step 2. Pay attention to the arrangement of the eight eyes
These are placed in three rows; on the first there are four small eyes; on the second row there are two large ones and on the third there are two medium-sized eyes. The two eyes in the center of the muzzle are generally larger than the other six.
Step 3. Check if it has three tarsal claws to make sure it is a wolf spider
The tarsal is the final leg segment of the insects. In the case of the wolf spider you can see three claws right here.
Step 4. Do not confuse the wolf spider with the brown hermit spider (also known as the violin spider)
Although they have a similar brownish-gray color, the wolf spider does not have the same violin-shaped mark behind its head, which is a typical feature of the brown hermit spider. Additionally, the wolf spider has shorter legs than the other arachnid or any other type of spider that lives on the web.
Step 5. Check the fur covering his abdomen
This is why it is possible to confuse this spider with the tarantula, although most wolf spiders are much smaller than most tarantulas.
Part 2 of 2: Recognizing the Habitat
Step 1. Check if the spider is taking refuge in a burrow
Observe the areas around doors and windows, both around the house and in any external constructions. If you see one moving towards a crevice or shelter rather than weaving a web, then you have further confirmation that it is indeed a wolf spider.
Step 2. Observe the spider as it follows its prey on the ground
Spiders that make cobwebs hardly walk on the ground. Wolf spiders, on the other hand, are very comfortable in this environment and rarely climb high structures.
Step 3. Look for a white sac attached to the bottom of the abdomen of some specimens from early spring through summer
This is how female wolf spiders carry their eggs.
Step 4. Check if the females are carrying the egg sack on their back
This is a unique feature of wolf spiders.
Step 5. Keep in mind that this arachnid hunts both day and night
In fact, most of its preys (crickets, caterpillars, etc.) are both diurnal and nocturnal. If there are a lot of these insects in your area, you can also expect to find one nearby.
Step 6. Note his speed as he runs
This spider species is very fast and it is really difficult to catch them.
Advice
- The wolf spider is actually a very shy arachnid and tends to flee when you get close, but it could sting you if you pick it up.
- You can keep the population of this spider in the vicinity of your home in check by keeping the grass cut, tending and pruning shrubs thoroughly. You should also try not to leave too many stone piles or piles of wood.
- This spider typically lives about two years and is preyed upon by wasps.
- Have a magnifying glass handy to look closely at the wolf spider.
Warnings
- Don't touch the wolf spider. Although it is a relatively harmless species, there have been cases of bites.
- Although it is a poisonous spider, don't kill it; its venom has minimal effect on humans, but it is not an aggressive species and only bites if you pick it up. It is an arachnid of fundamental importance for the ecosystem, because it feeds on many harmful parasites.
