Wolf Spider

Category:

Actual Size: 1 ½”

Characteristics: Large; black, gray, or brown pattern on the back.

Legs: 8

Habitat: Actively hunt in the open during the day and night, living in leaf litter and grassy areas. These spiders do not rely on nests for hunting.

Habits:

  • Unlike other spiders, they do not build webs to capture prey.
  • Skilled hunters that patrol the ground for prey during the night or day.
  • Female spiders keep their spiderlings on their back until they are grown.


Wolf Spiders in Memphis TN Metro Area

Wolf spiders are skilled hunters that can raise concerns when found inside homes. These spiders possess remarkable eyesight, enabling them to spot humans approaching, prompting them to quickly escape. Many wolf spiders are active during the night and have a reflective structure that enhances their vision in the darkness. If you shine a flashlight near the ground, you might catch a glimpse of their green eyes shining back at you from a distance of 10 to 30 feet, depending on the spider’s size. Although wolf spiders are seldom bothersome, they occasionally wander into houses, and their large size can startle homeowners.

Wolf Spider Habitat

Wolf spiders spend their time tirelessly searching the ground for insects, small spiders, and similar prey. They don’t rely on webs to catch their meals and actively pursue their targets in open areas, whether it’s day or night. These spiders often inhabit leaf litter and grassy regions, forming large communities that can number in the thousands. While some wolf spiders construct small burrows and defend their territories, others prefer to roam freely. Their sheer abundance and insatiable appetite make them vital contributors to any ecosystem they inhabit. You may occasionally spot female spiders carrying their young on their backs until the offspring become independent enough to venture on their own.

Wolf Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Bites from wolf spiders are highly uncommon. Although these spiders are swift and aggressive when capturing insects, they typically refrain from biting humans unless provoked or mishandled. In the event of a bite, it may cause some discomfort, but it is generally not a cause for concern among healthy adults. However, individuals who are more sensitive, such as children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, may experience varying degrees of adverse reactions.

If you are dealing with wolf spiders in your Memphis TN Metro Area property, contact your local spider exterminators.