| Scientific name | Lycosidae family |
|---|---|
| Group | Spiders |
| Size | 10–35 mm (up to about 1.4 in) |
| Colors | Brown, Gray and Black |
| Legs | 8 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Indoors, anywhere, Lawn or grass, Basement or garage and Garden or plants |
| Most active | Spring, Summer and Fall |
| Bites | Yes |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Can bite or sting |
How to identify it
The wolf spider is a large member of the spiders group. Eight legs, two body sections and silk-spinning organs at the rear. Check for these three features:
- Hairy brown or gray body with dark stripes
- Two large, forward-facing eyes in the middle row
- Egg sac attached to the rear or babies riding on the back
About this bug
A large, hairy, fast-running spider that hunts on the ground instead of building webs. Females carry their egg sacs and then their spiderlings on their backs.
You'll usually find wolf spiders indoors, in lawns and grass, in basements and garages and in gardens and on plants. They are most active in spring, summer and fall.
Is it dangerous?
Wolf spiders can bite if handled, causing pain and swelling like a bee sting, but they're not dangerous.
Our rating: Can bite or sting, meaning it can bite or sting, usually with mild, local effects.
When you'll see wolf spiders
Wolf Spiders are most active in spring, summer and fall. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: indoors, anywhere, lawn or grass, basement or garage and garden or plants.
About spiders
The wolf spider is one of the spiders. Spiders have eight legs, two main body sections and no antennae. Almost all spiders have venom to subdue prey, but only a few have venom that matters to people. Many build webs, while others, such as wolf spiders and jumping spiders, hunt on foot.
Spiders go where their food is. A home with lots of spiders usually has plenty of other insects, so general pest control reduces spiders too.
Should you get rid of it?
No control is needed. Wolf Spiders are not pests, and many help by eating other insects or pollinating plants. If one is indoors, move it outside with a cup and a sheet of paper.
Bugs that look similar
Size: Wolf Spiders are larger, reaching 35 mm, while hobo spiders top out around 14 mm.
Size: Wolf Spiders are larger, reaching 35 mm, while brown recluse spiders top out around 20 mm.
Size: Wolf Spiders are larger, reaching 35 mm, while bold jumping spiders top out around 15 mm.
Group: Wolf Spider belongs to spiders, while camel cricket belongs to other insects. Eight legs, two body sections and silk-spinning organs at the rear.
Frequently asked questions
What does a wolf spider look like?
Hairy brown or gray body with dark stripes. Adults measure 10–35 mm (up to about 1.4 in).
Does the wolf spider bite or sting?
It can bite. It does not sting. Wolf spiders can bite if handled, causing pain and swelling like a bee sting, but they're not dangerous.
Where do wolf spiders live?
Wolf Spiders live indoors, in lawns and grass, in basements and garages and in gardens and on plants.
When are wolf spiders most active?
Mostly in spring, summer and fall.