Habits Of The Wolf Spider

Wolf spiders are found throughout the world and more than 100 species live in North America. The spiders are brown and hairy, sometimes have stripes or markings and can be 1/4 inch to 2 inches long. The wolf spider's venom is not harmful to humans, although some people do have a reaction to their bites.

Life Cycle

Male wolf spiders have front appendages, called pedipalps, which they wave at female spiders when they are ready to mate. The female spider lays eggs, which she wraps in silk and attaches to the spinnerets on her stomach. It takes approximately one month for the eggs to hatch and after they hatch, the baby spiders crawl onto the mother's back and live there for a week. Later, the baby spiders will make silk parachutes and let the wind move them to different places. Wolf spiders shed their skin as they age and usually live 2 years.

Hunting

Wolf spiders use a passive approach to hunt their prey. They wait until the insect walks by and then quickly reach out and snatch the animal, although they will chase their prey if necessary. After catching its prey, the wolf spider injects venom into the insect, which liquidates the insect's insides and allows the wolf spider to suck out the insides. Wolf spiders will eat most insects and even each other and usually hunt during the night.

Habitat

Unlike most spiders, wolf spiders do not create webs, but dig burrows and often live under stones, decks, woodpiles and other outdoor places that provide a sheltered space. They live alone and may stay in one burrow for their whole lives. During the fall, they seek warm places to stay and that is when they most often end up in homes. Wolf spiders can be found in basements and garages as well as near windows and doors. They may also enter the home on firewood. They prefer to stay close to the floor, and in homes will live under furniture and on indoor plants.

Defensive Moves

It is unusual for a wolf spider to bite a person, or any other predator. The spiders have eight eyes and they see well. Their primary mode of defense is to run away, since they move quickly. Wolf spiders have to recreate venom after they kill an insect, so they tend to save biting only for hunting.

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