Wolf Spiders
Lycosidae (e.g. Hogna carolinensis, Tigrosa aspersa) · Spiders & Centipedes
Wolf spiders are large, hairy, fast-running hunters that chase prey on the ground instead of spinning webs. They often wander indoors, especially as weather cools, and are frequently mistaken for the brown recluse. They may bite if handled or trapped against skin, but the bite is usually just brief pain and redness.
Look for: A large, hairy brown-to-gray spider that runs along floors. Its legs often have lighter bands, and its eyes shine green in a flashlight beam at night. Females may carry spiderlings on their backs.
Quick facts
| Size | 16-35 mm |
|---|---|
| Legs | 8 |
| Usual colors | brown, tan |
| Where in the home | Living Room, Bedroom, Garden |
| Active | Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Peak | Sep, Oct |
| U.S. range | Found throughout the U.S. Penn State counts about 240 species in the United States. |
| Bites or stings people | Rarely |
Seasons are typical across much of the U.S. and vary by region.
Peak season Active Typical across much of the U.S.; varies by region.
Often confused with
Sources
- extension.psu.edu
- hgic.clemson.edu
- ipm.ucanr.edu
- entomology.ca.uky.edu
- extension.umd.edu
- extension.usu.edu
Not sure this is your bug? Try the Bug Identifier or ask your local Cooperative Extension office.