Wolf Spiders

Family Lycosidae

Wolf spiders are hunters, and they're family name, Lycosidae, comes from the greek word for wolf.

Physical Features

Wolf spiders range in color from grey to sand-colored, and in size from 1/8" to 1 3/8." They have eight eyes arranged in three rows. Many wolf spiders have some sort of black marking on the back of the abdomen, often in the form of a stripe.

Diet

Insects and other small arthropods.

Habitat

Primarily in North America. Most wolf spiders create burrows or dig holes under rocks.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Female wolf spiders have the interesting habit of carrying around the egg sac until it hatches, after which the spiderlings climb on the adult's back until they are ready to move on.