Wolf spiders are found all over the United States, and they thrive in a wide variety of habitats. They are also extremely capable, and they possess quite a few characteristics that separate them from other types of spiders you’ll encounter, in your home or elsewhere.
Unique Eye Arrangement
All species of wolf spiders have eight eyes, and these are separated into three groups. On top of their heads are two medium eyes, and just below these are two larger, more prominent ones. The third set is made up of four small eyes, which are arranged in a line below the largest ones and above the spider’s mouth.
Excellent Eyesight
Wolf spiders have the third-best eyesight of all spiders. Because of this, they rely on sight for hunting, mating, and general communication much more than many of their arachnid counterparts.
Camouflage
Wolf spiders spend most of their time on the ground, so camouflage is an important part of their survival strategy. They exhibit many different patterns of coloration due to their diverse habitats, but most wolf spiders feature hairy brown or black bodies with dark markings.
Eyeshine
Although their dark coloring helps them blend in at night, wolf spiders are actually quite easy to detect with a flashlight, as their eyes will reflect the light directly back at the source. This makes the eyes appear to glow, a characteristic which is commonly referred to as eyeshine.
Infant Care
Female wolf spiders carry their egg sacks with them until their babies hatch by attaching them to their spinnerets. They can become aggressive if they feel their eggs are threatened, and they will search tirelessly for the egg sack if it becomes detached. After the eggs hatch, the babies crawl up the mother’s legs and cling to her abdomen, and she’ll carry them around for several days until they’re ready to go off on their own.
Housing
Some wolf spiders build burrows, while others simply seek out whatever naturally-occurring shelter is available. That’s often what leads them into our homes, as they provide attractive protection from the elements.
Special Status
One particular species of wolf spider has received the honor of being adopted as the state spider of South Carolina. No other state recognizes a state spider, but the distinction is an official one nonetheless.
Size and Lifespan
Just as wolf spiders come in many different colors, they exhibit a great variation in size as well. Adult wolf spiders can be anywhere from 0.4 inches to 1.25 inches or more in length. In general, males are smaller than females, and they also only live about a year compared to several years for females.
While the venom of the wolf spider is not lethal, it can cause a painful reaction, and so these spiders should be avoided whenever possible. Due to their widespread distribution, however, it’s important to know a little bit about these creatures should you encounter them in your home or outdoors. If you need help removing spiders from your home, contact Preventive Pest Control – Phoenix today.