Wolf Spider

Organisms / Invertebrates / Arthropods

Lycosa sp.

Coastal Prairie

March 24, 2006

Photograph by Joshua Bartholomew
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Descriptive Information

    Field Marks: Brown body and legs, with a lighter (or darker) stripe that runs the length of the body. On the abdomen the stripe temporarily splits into two segments and then rejoins to form one stripe again. There are eight eyes present in three rows. The body may appear quite hairy or only slightly hairy. The legs are also hairy. On either side of the mouth are two hairy pincers that give the spider an appearance of a wolf face.
    Size: Approximately ¼ inch (0.6 cm).
    General Habitat: Woodlands, meadowlands, and prairies.
    Range: Throughout North America.

Field Observations
The wolf spider was observed in a coastal prairie among Pickleweed and Glasswort plants. Its coloration helped it to camouflage against the brown-colored ground. After several minutes of observation this particular specimen did not move. However, it is common to find these spiders searching for prey along the ground. They do not typically build webs; rather they live in holes in the ground. The hole pictured is most likely this spider’s home.

References
Alden, Peter, Richard B. Cech, Amy Leventer, Gil Nelson, and Wendy B. Zomlefer. National Audubon Society Field Guide to Florida. 5th Ed. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2003.

Marshall, Sam, and G. B. Edwards. Florida’s Fabulous Spiders. Tampa: World Publications, 2002.

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