Instead of spinning a web to catch food they roam during the night in search of meals. They tend to build their homes in the ground using such sticks, leaves and any other objects they can use to conceal the opening to their nest. Wolf spiders are often found under rocks but they prefer our homes. They like crawling around household plants, hanging out in the garage or around doors and windows.
They enter our homes through cracks in exterior walls and under doors. Wolf spiders are shy and can move quickly.
They are not an aggressive spider though they are capable of biting if provoked. If bitten by a wolf spider, apply a cold compress to alleviate the pain compress the swelling. A wolf spider but is poisonous but the venom is not deadly.
As with most insect bites, individual reactions vary a great deal from person to person. Do not hesitate to see a doctor if necessary.
Something unique to the wolf spider is the ocular spacing of four eyes in the bottom row, two large eyes in a middle row and two medium eyes in the top row giving them a total of eight eyes.
Wolf spiders keep the insect population down. Their dull coloring provides camouflage as they hunt for food.
Children sometimes keep wolf spiders as pets. They can be fed crickets, beetles and small ants.
A wolf spider usually grows to a maximum length of 2 inches. The wolf spider is either brown or gray and hairy. They have all sorts of markings on their backs as well as their abdomen.
Male wolf spiders rarely live past a year whereas female wolf spiders are capable of living several years. The female wolf spiders carry their egg case underneath the abdomen. Hatchlings climb onto their mother's back until they are ready to venture out on their own.
Not a day has passed recently that I have not come across some species of spider during my daily outdoor activities. I can view them from afar and share our island paradise with them. I do not think I will ever be brave enough to have one as a pet.
Article Photos
A wolf spider usually grows to a maximum length of 2 inches. The wolf spider is either brown or gray and hairy. They have all sorts of markings on their backs as well as their abdomen.
Fact Box
Merry Beth Ryan, a member of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association, can be reached at www.merrybethryanphotography.com, by e-mail at mbr1965@comcast.net or by phone (941) 544-5023.
