Wolf Spider - Family Lycosidae

	Wolf Spiders - Family Lycosidae Species: Schizocosa sp. / Order: Araneae / Family: Lycosidae - Wolf or ground spiders. Live adult spiders photographed at northern Illinois and Fort Pierce, Florida, USA. Insects and Spiders \| Spiders Index \| Spider Pictures \| Jumping Spiders \| Beetles Index \| Butterflies

Wolf Spider's Distinctive Eye Arrangement

Wolf spiders are members of the family Lycosidae, from the Greek word "lycosa" meaning "wolf". Their namesake, their method of hunting is to run down their prey. They are robust and agile hunters that rely on good eyesight.

There are over 200 species of Lycosidae in North America, ranging in size from 3 - 35mm. They have eight eyes arranged in three rows. The bottom row consists of four small eyes, the middle row has two very large eyes (which distinguishes them from the Pisauridae), and the top row has two medium-sized eyes that face the side.

Female Wolf Spider Carries her egg sac by her spinnerets
Wolf spiders carry their eggs along with them in a round silken globe, or egg sac, which they attach to the spinnerets at the end of their abdomen. The abdomen is held in a raised position to keep the egg case from dragging on the ground, but they are still capable of hunting while so encumbered. Also unique among spiders is their method of hatchling care: after the eggs hatch and emerge from the protective silken case, the new spiders climb up their mother's legs and crowd onto her abdomen. She may carry them around for several hours or days until they are ready to fend for themselves. It must be noted, however, that the hatchlings will scatter immediately if the mother spider is threatened or attacked.

Early Spring Wolf Female

Female Wolf Spider with hatchlings aboard.

References

Bugguide.net, "Wolf Spiders - Family Lycosidae"

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