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Wolf Spiders

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Wolf Spider

This wolf spider is probably the "rabid wolf spider," Rabidosa rabida.
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Wolf Spider

This wolf spider is probably the speckled wolf spider, Hogna aspersa.
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Numerous species and genera in our state.
Family: 
Lycosidae (wolf spiders) in the order Araneae (spiders)
Description: 

These athletic spiders don’t spin webs to catch their prey; instead, they run it down! They have long legs and are usually gray, brown, black or tan with dark brown or black body markings (especially stripes).

The female wolf spider carries her egg sac in a unique way: She attaches it to her spinnerets at the bottom rear of her abdomen. Later, she carries her babies on her back.

The eye configuration is similar to that of jumping spiders: The two center eyes of the top row are enlarged. But unlike jumpers, wolf spiders have a row of four small eyes below the four larger ones. Also, wolf spiders run smoothly over the ground and often hunt at night, while jumpers hunt in plants during the day, move jerkily and jump great distances.

Other similar spiders: Tarantulas are much larger and heavier. Fishing spiders carry their egg sacs in their jaws, swim in and walk on water, don't carry their babies on their backs, and don't have the two large forward-facing eyes.

Size: 
Length (not including legs): from 1/4 inch to 1 inch (varies with the different species; males are usually smaller than females).
Habitat and conservation: 
These solitary, wandering spiders live in a variety of ground habitats: stream edges, gravel or sand bars, low vegetation and woodland leaf litter. Some dig burrows or tunnel into natural cavities under flat rocks or logs; some have no home at all. Those in the genus Pardosa seem to prefer moist habitats or places near water. The rabid wolf spider (Rabidosa rabida) (which is absolutely not rabid!) commonly hides in leaf litter and sometimes gets into houses.
Foods: 
Ground-dwelling insects and other spiders make up the bulk of their diet. Wolf spiders, with their excellent vision and excellent running capabilities, chase down and grab their prey. Also, they can hold still and wait for insects to crawl near enough to catch. They do not spin webs to catch their prey. Wolf spiders can climb short distances up tree trunks and other objects. They have excellent night vision. If you shine a flashlight at them at night, their eyes shine back at you like a cat's.
Distribution in Missouri: 
Statewide.
Status: 
This family includes many of the most common spiders in Missouri as well as worldwide.
Life cycle: 
The female wolf spider attaches her pea-sized egg sac to her spinnerets and carries on normal life with the sac held in this manner. She may exhibit aggressive behavior when carrying her egg sac and searches diligently (some say frantically) if separated from it. After the spiderlings emerge from the casing, they climb onto her abdomen and remain there for up to two weeks or more, until they are ready to be on their own. Some wolf spiders can survive for nearly two years.
Human connections: 
Wolf spiders consume a great many insects that are pests to humans. Although they can bite if provoked, the bites of North American wolf spiders are harmless. Also, researchers are keenly interested in the parenting behavior of wolf spiders.
Ecosystem connections: 
Although they are fierce predators of insects and other small creatures, wolf spiders themselves are an important food for small lizards, insectivorous mice, shrews, turkeys and many other birds.

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