Hogna carolinensis (Carolina Wolf Spider)

Summary

The "Carolina Wolf Spider," Hogna carolinensis, is also known as the Giant Wolf Spider. Indeed, females reach 22-35 millimeters in body length. Their legspan is greater still. This member of the family Lycosidae ranges from southern Ontario and continental U.S. into Baja California. It is scarce in the Pacific Northwest. This spider may hunt actively at night, or wait in ambush at the mouth of its burrow, where it hides during the day. Look for holes with a turret of silk and grasses in sandy habitats. Deserts, prairies, glades, fields, and pastures are the preferred habitats of this species. Wolf spiders have keen eyesight and are powerful enough to tackle insects like crickets, cockroaches, and beetles. Adult females live a few years after the year it takes to reach maturity. Mating takes place in autumn and the female spins an egg sac the following spring. She attaches it to her spinnerets so she can remain mobile. The spiderlings that emerge then ride atop her until their next molt, after which they disperse.