Wolf spiders (Family: Lycosidae) usually do not enter homes unless their habitat is disturbed. These spiders are commonly misidentified as species in the family Lycosidae. They vary in color, size, and shape but usually have four pairs of eyes that are the same size. They create protective mats of silk in vegetation for shelter, which they can retreat into when threatened. When fully grown, they can reach lengths of 8.5-17 mm (1/3-2/3 inch). They are the most common spiders in homes, typically found in the early fall when temperatures start to cool. For more information on western black widow spiders, consult the webpage.įunnel weaver spiders (Family: Agelenidae) create funnel shaped webs. Adult females typically have black bodies and are 6.4-8.5 mm (1/4-1/3 inch), while males tend to have brown bodies with striped markings and are 3.2-6.4 mm (1/10-1/4 inch). ![]() The hourglass is red on females and orange or yellow on males. Both male and female western black widow spiders have the characteristic hourglass shape underneath their abdomen. They can inflict a painful and potentially harmful bite, with young children and the elderly among the most susceptible individuals. After her spiderlings hatched, we decided it was time to return her and her babies to the great outdoors.Western black widow spiders, Latrodectus hesperus, (Family: Theridiidae) are the most dangerous spider found in the home. She readily ate crickets from the pet store and even laid an egg case. We kept an adult female wolf spider in our office for several months. Water can be provided by soaking a small piece of sponge and keeping it free from mold. Wolf spiders like dark places so an upside down plastic margarine tub with a hole cut in the side makes a good shelter. If you want to try an undemanding pet, try keeping a wolf spider. Outdoors, wolf spiders are beneficial because they feed on so many insects if you catch a live one, returning it outside is a good thing to do. Instead, put sticky traps (i.e., mouse glue boards) in the corners of rooms to passively trap unwanted spiders and other insects. Because there usually are only a few spiders at most, it usually isn't necessary to use an insecticide. ![]() The presence of wolf spiders in the house is particularly common in the late summer and fall of the year. Wolf spiders are not considered to be poisonous, although a bite may cause a reaction in certain individuals. They gradually disperse and take in food for the first time. After hatching, the spiderlings, which may number a hundred or more, immediately climb on their mother's abdomen and ride there for about a week. At hatching time, the mother wolf spider opens the rim of the cocoon with her mouthparts to help her spiderlings escape. If the egg sac is removed, she searches for it until she finds it and reattaches it. She attaches her large egg sac to her spinnerets (the organs at the tip of her abdomen that make silk) and carries it around with her until the spiderlings hatch. The mother wolf spider is notable in the arachnid world because she demonstrates a degree of maternal behavior. When they are not actively searching for food, they may be found hiding under rocks or other objects. Outdoors, wolf spiders are common in most terrestrial habitats, but are often found in areas of tall shrubs or dense grasses their insect prey is abundant. Wolf spiders use their eyesight to detect prey, but also react to vibrations. They are appropriately named because they powerfully pounce on their victims. ![]() ![]() Wolf spiders do not build webs to catch their prey, but are active hunters–they either ambush or freely hunt their prey. The upper row is recurved with a large pair of middle eyes directed forward and a smaller pair of lateral eyes located further back. Their eyes are arranged in two rows with four small eyes in the lower row. Regardless of their size, wolf spiders are distinguished by a distinctive eye pattern. Many people who find one of the larger species of wolf spiders think that they look like small tarantulas because they are quite hairy.Įven though some wolf spiders are large, there are also many smaller species. They are common outdoors, and only accidentally find their way indoors by wandering into houses and buildings. Wolf spiders are among the largest spiders in Nebraska.
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