Giant Wolf Spider – All You Need to Know

A Giant Wolf Spider sometimes just referred to as a Wolf Spider, was a medium-sized beast that was smaller than a typical Giant spider. Giant Wolf Spiders were smaller than usual Giant spiders, but they are more agile. They were much faster at crawling and climbing. Like Giant spiders, they have the ability to climb awkwardly shaped walls and hang upside down on ceilings, sense when a creature was caught in their web, and travel well across webbing.

They were less strong than Giant spiders but were more intelligent, robust, and wise. As such when combined with their superior speed, they were fantastic stalkers. This allowed them to hunt their foes across plains, underground, or in burrows.

Wolf Spiders have very good eyesight, they also have a basic sense of smell. They track their prey using their scent-detecting organs, which were located in their pedipalps. Female Wolf Spiders are incredibly protective of their offspring, which are often numbered in the hundreds.

Types of Wolf Spiders

The types of Wolf Spiders vary with different species and genus. It has many species all over the world with different characteristics. Its species are spread all over the environment, some are peculiar to certain parts of the world.

• Rabid Wolf Spider: Rabidosa rabid is also known as the rabid Wolf Spider, is a species of spiders from the family Lycosidae, it is native to North America in the United States. The cephalothorax has two dark stripes. The abdomen has one stripe of the same color. Other parts of the spider are yellow. The females are larger than males and have a body length of about an inch, while the male body length comes as a half of that. This species has eight eyes, four above and four below.

• Hogna Carolinensis: This is commonly known as Carolina Wolf Spider, it’s also found across North America. It is the largest of all Wolf Spiders in North America. It belongs to the genus Hogna in the family of Lycosidae. Hogna Carolinensis spiders have been sighted 32 times by contributing members.

• Chinese Wolf Spider: The Wolf Spider Lycosa singoriensis is a large and venomous spider distributed throughout northwest China. Like other spider venoms, the Wolf Spider venom is a chemical cocktail. Its protein content is 0.659mg protein/mg crude venom as determined by the Lowry method. In the year 2000, it was reported that there were Wolf Spider bites to humans and other animals in the northern area of xinjiang province, according to medical reports, majority of the spider bites caused apparent effects, including red marks and pain.

• Lycosa: This is a genus of Wolf Spiders distributed throughout most of the world. It’s sometimes called the “true tarantula” though not closely related to the spiders most commonly called tarantulas today, Lycosa spp. can be distinguished from common Wolf Spiders by their relatively large size.

• Alopecosa: This is a spider genus in the family Lycosidae, with about 160 species. They have a largely Eurasian distribution, although some species are found in North Africa and North America.

• Costacosa: This is a genus of spiders in the family Lycosidae. It was first described in 2013 by Framenau and Leung. As of 2017, it contains 2 species, both from Western Australia.

We still have other species and genus like Hogna, Pardosa, Trochosa, Arctosa, Acantholycosa, Pirata, Geolycosa vultuosa, Hippasa agelenoides, Pavocosa, and the rest. They are spread all over the world.

Do Wolf Spiders jump at you?

Wolf Spiders will pounce on their target, though they are seen as one of the more agile wolf species. When the Wolf Spider chases its target, it will pursue it endlessly when the animal goes out of control. But they will prefer to ambush the target and pounce on it, which can save it a lot of hard work.

 The Wolf Spiders have long legs that are capable of making up a lot of ground if the chase is on. They are regarded as one of the fastest spider species, which serves it well if the pounce is unsuccessful and the target somehow manages to escape their ambush. After successfully catching the target, the Wolf Spider will curl the animal into a ball and then try to consume it whole.

If the target is gigantic, and it’s not dead yet, it will enter venom into the target to terminate it, and then liquefy it, so that it can consume it in its entirety. Wolf Spiders are exceptional hunters. Wolf Spiders will always be most active at night. During the day, they are likely to hide away in their burrows which they dig with their long and strong front legs. Most of the pouncing or jumping is normally done at night.

Do Wolf Spiders jump on humans?

No, Wolf Spiders don’t jump on humans to attack them. Wolf Spiders are scared of humans and will only bite them if they are intimidated or if you threaten by coming too close to them. Kindly note that when the Wolf Spider bites, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms at the site of the bite and even some signs of dizziness. And also the effect of a Wolf Spider bite will not be nearly as bad as the symptoms you will get from a black widow attack, which is the main distinguishing factor between the two.

Are Wolf Spiders poisonous?

Wolf Spiders are not poisonous but they are capable of biting and they are venomous. Some of the Wolf Spiders could probably be a nuisance, while others are flat-out frightening to find in your home. Wolf Spiders are one of the more unpleasant pests that you might encounter, and the thought of being bitten by one is seriously alarming.

While Wolf Spiders can be a worrying sight, the good news is that they are not poisonous. Rather than poisoning their victims, Wolf Spiders inject venom which is meant to paralyze their prey. Fortunately for humans, Wolf Spiders venom typically doesn’t cause more discomfort than a common bee sting. They also bite humans on a rare occasion, generally preferring to stick to the small insects they prey on.

Can I keep a Wolf Spider as a pet?

Yes, you can keep magnificent Wolf Spiders as pets. If you want an undemanding, docile and adorable pet, try keeping a Wolf Spider. They like living in dark places. Inverted plastic margarine in which holes are cut makes the best housing and shelter for them. Ensure food and water supply, water can be delivered by soaking a small piece of sponge and keeping it free from mold.

Most people always have a double thought on keeping Wolf Spiders as pets. They find it dangerous and frightening too because of the various urban legends told about it. The Wolf Spider is Okay for those looking for an exciting low-maintenance pet. As they are low-maintenance they also cost less. One of the interesting things that made Wolf Spider the best pet is that you don’t have to spend extra money on pet supplies pet clothes, and grooming equipment. They require a minimum amount of food, water, and a favorable environment. I believe the question is, can I keep Wolf Spiders as pets? It has been fully answered, you have known how good and favorable it is to keep Wolf Spiders as pets.

In addition, the Wolf Spiders are one of the enormous spiders in Nebraska. They are usually present outdoors, and only accidentally find their way inside the house. Usually, they wander around homes and buildings. Many people who look at Wolf Spiders for the first time confuse them with tarantulas because they have a lot of hair, but they are not dangerous or poisonous as tarantulas.

Why do I keep finding Wolf Spiders in my house?

If a Wolf Spider should find its way into your house it probably is in the usual way: through cracks, crevices, or small openings around doors and windows. Once inside the Wolf Spiders prefer to hide out around doors and windows, among houseplants, and in closets, basements, cellars, and garages. Unlike some other kinds of spiders, they prefer to stay near ground level. You can stop Wolf Spiders from coming indoors through the following ways:

• Discourage them: Wolf Spiders love quiet, undisturbed places, so get a broom or vacuum and make a clean sweep of their favorite hiding places. This should be done regularly.

• Block entry points: Using caulk, screening, and weather stripping, you should close up and seal up places they can get in. Check for rips, tears and openings, and replace or repair them as soon as you notice them.

• Take away their hiding places: Tape or seal storage boxes, patch wall cracks and holes, and get rid of clutter.

• Create a barrier: You can use odor free, or stain free defense insect killer for indoor and perimeter with comfort want, it’s a chemical used to prevent pests from entering your home, it creates a long-lasting barrier for them. When applied according to directions in a 4-inch band around your home’s indoor perimeter, and in a 12-inch band around the outdoor perimeter, the product helps kill and prevent both Wolf Spiders and many of the insects that serve as their prey too. If you don’t do what has been aforementioned, you will keep on seeing Wolf Spiders in your home, Wolf Spiders will continue attacking and invading your home till you follow these laid down tips provided.

What eats a Wolf Spider?

Wolf Spiders are fairly large and hairy spiders of the family Lycosidae found on multiple continents including North America. They always mistake their appearance for tarantulas, but they are actually a different species. The Wolf Spiders enjoy preying on crickets, cockroaches, grasshoppers, beetles, ants, other spiders, and even small amphibians and reptiles. They also have a lot of predators to deal with themselves. We have:

• Wasps as a Predator: Wolf Spiders are a choice incubator for various wasp species. While the mother wasp won’t eat the Wolf Spider, it will temporarily paralyze the spider with its stinger before injecting its egg into the spider. As the wasp larvae mature, they feed off the Wolf Spider, eating it from the inside out. Depending on the wasps’ species, the practice differs slightly. Some wasps drag the spider to a nest and completely trap it, protecting the larvae inside. Alternatively, some species inject the egg then let the spider run free.
• Amphibians and Small Reptiles: Amphibians and Small Reptiles also enjoy the tasty meals the Wolf Spider provides. Creatures like frog, toads, and salamanders have all been known to eat multiple species of spider. Amphibious predators typically eat any creature small enough for them to swallow whole so whether the Wolf Spider gets eaten depends more on its size compared to the individual amphibian. Similarly, small reptiles like snakes and lizards also eat Wolf Spiders, though larger species may pass this particular spider up in favor of a larger meal.

• Shrews and Coyotes: Belonging to the order insectivora, the name implies that shrews typically eat insects. While Wolf Spiders are arachnids, they are close enough as far as the shrew is concerned. Shrews are tiny and require almost constant food intake to keep their energy levels up, making them a voracious hunter, with some even having venomous saliva for larger or well-defended food sources. While they are too small to provide a full Coyote meal, Coyotes have also been known to devour Wolf Spiders.

• Spider-Eating Birds: Birds are found all over the world, and as they are found all over the world, their appetite for different food differs, they have different taste, as they can feast on anything that could quench their hunger and taste. While some prefer seeds and plant matter, others enjoy live prey. Multiple bird species, including screech and elf owls, are predators of the Wolf Spiders. Wolf Spiders don’t use webs, so they typically have to physically go out and hunt for their food, leaving them vulnerable to bird attacks from above.

• What are the defenses for spider predators?

Though there are lots of predators that feast on the Wolf Spiders, they also have defense mechanisms to protect them from most of those attacks. These spiders have few defense systems that protect them from becoming victims of the food chain. Wolf Spiders species use their agility and quickness to escape death, also using their environment to blend in. Their vibration sensitivity and excellent vision also aid in their defense, though if they are forced to fight, they will bite their opponent with their large jaws. If faced with death, they are willing to sacrifice losing a leg to immediately survive the situation; though losing a leg makes them slower and vulnerable to future attacks.

Are there any benefits to having Wolf Spiders near you?

While you may not want to open your doors to a group of Wolf Spiders, having one or two in your garden or yard can be quite beneficial. These spiders are naturally shy around humans and will usually run or hop away unless cornered. As they are ground dwellers and rarely climb, they make for a welcome defense against a wide variety of garden pests from grasshopper to caterpillars. Of course, spotting one may cause some panic, but these critters are a lot more effective than pesticides and will generally stay out of your way.

How big is a Wolf Spider?

Wolf Spiders are hairy arachnids that can grow up to 35mm in body length. The many genera of Wolf Spiders range in body size (legs not included) from less than 10 to 35mm (0.4 to 1.38inch). They have eight eyes arranged in three rows. The bottom rows consist 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. Unlike most other arachnids, which are generally blind or have poor vision, Wolf Spiders have excellent eyesight. At least you have gotten an insight into how big a Wolf Spider is.

To further buttress how the eyes are; there is a reflective tissue found in the eyes which are called tapetum lucidum. The reflective tissue is only found in the four larger eyes which is the second eye of the Wolf Spider. Flashing a beam of light over the spider produces eyeshine; this eyeshine can be seen when the lighting source is roughly coaxial with the viewer or sensor. The light from the light source has been reflected from the spider’s eyes directly back toward its source, producing a glow that is easily noticed. Wolf Spiders possess the third-best eyesight of all spider groups.

How long can Wolf Spiders survive under water?

Typically Wolf Spiders can stay alive underwater for 1-2 hours. They have a waterproof hairy body that traps air bubbles and extracts smaller quantities of oxygen into the lungs which are also uniquely formed like stacked paper pages in the book. These factors allow Wolf Spiders to underwater much longer than usual as they can find oxygen bubbles from the surface for their survival.

The Wolf Spiders can also create their own air bubble by releasing gas from their lungs and trapping it between hairs on their abdomen. Nevertheless, if they are submerged too long without access to water or food, they will die within hours.

In addition, Wolf Spiders are rarely found indoors. Wolf Spider’s habitat includes woods, grasslands, near sources of running water, and shrubbery. Because of their hairy feet, some species are even able to walk on water as the hairs help them skim over the water’s surface. It may interest you to know that another species of Wolf Spiders can survive 40 hours in water by slipping into a brief coma. This is the mechanism they use if they want to live for some hours underwater, switching its metabolism from aerobic to anaerobic when oxygen is in short supply. You will still be enlightened if Wolf Spiders can actually live underwater or breathe underwater.

Can Wolf Spiders actually live under water?

Wolf Spiders are arachnids commonly found throughout North America. They are usually nocturnal hunting predators, but they also hunt during the day when it is dark and humid. On a general note, Wolf Spiders do not live underwater. They often build their trap just below slow-moving water bodies, which also doubles as their habitat. Wolf Spiders and hunting spiders are the only species of spiders that can walk on water and hunt small amphibians and tiny creatures that live underwater using their poisonous fangs and spiky legs.

In as much as Wolf Spiders do not live underwater, also note that their eggs can survive in wet environments for days before hatching into young Wolf Spiders. Wolf Spiders are an incredible type of spider species similar to the water hunting spider who can also breathe underwater.

Can Wolf Spiders breathe under water?

Wolf Spiders are known for their ability to breathe underwater. This is due to the air bubbles they store and can use as a reserve when needed. It’s not uncommon for people in the northeast United States, where Wolf Spiders live year-round, to find these arachnids crawling around in sinks or bathtubs after heavy rainstorms because of how much water they absorb during storms. What

On a general note, Wolf Spiders cannot breathe underwater. They have waterproof hairs around their abdomen that create an air bubble, allowing them to survive underwater for 1-2 hours. Wolf Spiders have lungs that look like the stacked pages of a book, and these lungs will enable them to draw the oxygen from the bubble.

This incredible feature allows the Wolf Spider and the fishing spider to breathe underwater. It allows them to create traps and habitat near slow-moving water bodies where they can hunt on land and underwater for smaller invertebrates like tadpoles, small fish, and somethings leaf frogs. Because these spiders can walk on water, they are skilled predators who tactically scare the fish out of the deeper water into the spider’s hunting zone.

The spider will look for those that may be within reach in the shallows where the water stream current is not strong, and it will dive in under the water to catch the fish. The fishing spider injects paralyzing venom into the fish, which slowly turns it inside into a nutritious liquefied soup-like which the spider feeds on.

What do Wolf Spiders eat?

Wolf Spiders are the most common and popular species kept as pets. They are also one of the easiest to care for, which makes them a great choice if you are new to caring for arachnids. These animals are not aggressive, but they do have venom that can be dangerous to pets at home but not poisonous to humans.

Generally, Wolf Spiders will eat anything they can find in the environment, mainly insects, other small invertebrates, and even tiny frogs and wild bird eggs. If you want your pet spider to stay healthy and happy, make sure it has plenty of space for hunting prey.