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Wolf Spider
(Hogna carolinensis)
Photo by permission of Emanuele Biggi
Seasons in Walnut Creek: Year-round resident
The wolf spider is a very interesting arachnid that is very different from other spiders. The most significant difference is the fact that they live together in large holes in the ground called burrows. The burrows are surrounded by a fortress of debris called torrents to keep unwanted items out. They were named the Wolf Spider because it was rumored that they hunted together in packs, much like wolves do. After some study, this was disproven, but the name remains the same.
Key Field Marks:
- Light, peach-colored stripe that runs down cephalothorax
- Color runs from dark brown to light gray
- Extremely hairy and grow from 1/2" to 2"
Key Behaviors:
- Can hunt day and night, but mostly nocturnal hunter
- Preys upon common household pests, instead of creating a web to trap its prey like most other spiders
- Not naturally aggressive, only bites or attacks if provoked or threatened
- Most will be unable to break the skin if they bite, only extremely large specimens can cause true harm. Note: Seek medical attention if bitten, just to be safe
Habit and Range:
- Live together in large burrows, called turrets, that are dug underneath the ground, usually covered with twigs and leaves to camouflage the opening
- It is said that if you use a flashlight and direct the light near or inside a burrow, you may be surprised by how many of their eyes are looking back
- Found throughout the world, common in North Carolina
- Usually found crawling around on the ground, as they are not climbers
- Female spiders create an egg sac on their abdomen after they mate in which they lay their eggs. They usually stay inside their burrow to protect their offspring with the egg sac, but it can be carried anywhere they go
- After eggs hatch, babies latch on to mother's back and ride around with her allowing the female more flexibility to move and hunt
Walnut Creek Sighting: Multiple sightings in floodplain west of State Street Bridge. Usually found on ground.
Photo by permission of Randy Newman
Photo by permission of Matt Windsor
This page prepared by 8th grader Chris H.
Exploris Middle School - Fall 2008
