Wolf spiders (wolf spiders) are not compatible with spiders in general. Wolf spiders do not make webs and do not catch their prey in these webs. Instead, these spiders chase and hunt their prey-just like a wolf would. Although wolf spiders actually look very similar to tarantulas, they are generally smaller and belong to a different family. The scientific name for the wolf spider is Lycosidae (from the Greek, meaning wolf/"wolf.")
Step
Method 1 of 2: Identifying the Wolf Spider
Step 1. Look for the physical characteristics of the wolf spider
The following are some of its main characteristics: hairy, brown to gray in color with variations in dots or stripes; The female spider has a body length of about 34 mm while the male spider is about 19 mm.
Step 2. Notice the arrangement of the eight eyes
The wolf spider's eyes consist of three rows; the first row has four small eyes; the second row consists of two larger eyes and the third row has two medium-sized eyes. The two eyes in the center of the face are clearly noticeably larger than the other six eyes.
Step 3. Notice if the spider has three tarsal claws to make sure the insect is a wolf spider
Tarsals are the last segment on the insect's legs. The wolf spider has three claws on the tip of the tarsal.
Step 4. Pay attention to the order of the canines
The wolf spider has fangs that resemble pincers with a sideways orientation. However, these teeth are shared by all species in the infraorder Araneomorphae, with the wolf spider as one of its members. The Infraorder Araneomorphae consists of many species known as "true spiders". Thus, this canine orientation is not only shared by wolf spiders.
However, this characteristic is useful for distinguishing wolf spiders from small tarantulas. The small tarantula is a member of the infraorder Mygalomorphae which has canine teeth with a vertical orientation
Step 5. Don't confuse the wolf spider with the Brown Recluse spider
The wolf spider and the Brown Recluse spider have the same color, which is brownish gray. However, the wolf spider does not have a violin-shaped marker on the back of its head as in the Brown Recluse spider. In addition, the wolf spider also has shorter legs than the Brown Recluse spider and other spiders that live in webs.
Step 6. Examine the fur covering the belly
It is this belly part that may confuse you, mistaking the wolf spider for a tarantula. But actually most wolf spiders are smaller than most tarantulas.
Method 2 of 2: Identifying the Wolf Spider's Habitat
Step 1. Check if the spider is hiding in the burrow
Check the area around the door or window, as well as around the house and any outbuildings you may have. If you find even a single spider moving toward a burrow or crevice/crack instead of a cobweb, this could be a further clue that the insect is a wolf spider.
Step 2. Look for traces of the wolf spider's pursuit of its prey at ground level
Spiders that make webs will rarely be found at ground level. Wolf spiders feel very comfortable at ground level and will rarely climb up tall structures (walls, posts, trees, etc.).
Step 3. Look for a white pouch attached to the back (upper belly), especially in early summer
The female wolf spider carries its eggs on its back.
Step 4. Check to see if the female spider is holding her young on her back
The way to carry the cubs is one of the characteristics of the wolf spider.
Step 5. Be aware that wolf spiders can be found while hunting during the day or night
You'll notice that most of the wolf spider's prey (crickets, caterpillars, etc.) can be found both during the day and at night. If you find a lot of these small animals around the house, you can expect to find a wolf spider nearby.
Step 6. Pay attention to his running speed
Wolf spiders are very fast moving. These spiders are difficult to catch because of their extreme speed.
Tips
- In fact, wolf spiders are very solitary animals and will most likely run away if you approach them. But the spider will bite if you disturb it.
- You can control the wolf spider population around your home if you keep the grass in your yard short and the bushes trimmed. It is wise to keep the foundation of a house made of stone or wood to a minimum.
- Armed with a magnifying glass will be useful to be able to see the wolf spider.
- The wolf spider's life span is usually about two years, and it pounces on its prey using a hunting stinger.
Warning
- Don't hold the wolf spider. Although it is a relatively calm species, this spider can bite.
- Even though wolf spiders are venomous, try not to kill them. The wolf spider's venom has almost no effect if you get a non-aggressive bite. In fact, because wolf spiders prey on a large number of harmful insects, these insects are very important to the ecosystem.
