Wolf Spiders are perhaps the most common Tennessee spiders and are found all over the United States. Wolf Spiders are large, hairy spiders which are typically patterned with a fusion of black, brown and gray colors.

SIZE
About 1/2 -1 1/4 inches in diameter.

COLOR
Usually a mixture of black, gray, and brown.

DESCRIPTION
Wolf spiders are usually more robust than other spiders, with shorter legs. Wolf spiders have 8 eyes.  As with all spiders, wolf spiders have 8 legs, 2 body parts (cephalothorax and abdomen), and fang-like mouthparts called "chelicerae."

HABITAT
The wolf spider is a ground dweller, which often burrow in the ground. It usually hunts prey during the and can move very rapidly when disturbed. Commonly found around the home, in garden areas and inside buildings during hot weather.

LIFE CYCLE
When young wolf spiders hatch from eggs, they look like tiny adults.  A wolf spider sheds/molts its skin several times as it grows to an adult.  Most wolf spiders live for several years.  In many species, female wolf spiders lay dozens of eggs at a time and wrap them in a large ball of silk.  The female carry the egg sac on her abdomen until the spiderlings hatch.  After hatching, the spiderlings may live on the mother's back for a few weeks until they are large enough to hunt prey.  

INTERESTING FACTS
Because wolf spiders are usually brown in color, they are often mistaken for brown recluse spiders.  If you see a fast-moving, dark-colored spider running on the floor, it is more likely to be a wolf spider than a brown recluse.  Brown recluses are very reserved and are rarely seen out in the open.  With a little practice, it is easy to tell the difference between wolf spiders and brown recluses.

See Brown Recluse Spider Info

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