The Wolf Spiders of the Word
By Volker W. Framenau

The family Lycosidae, commonly known as wolf spiders, encompasses a vast number of species distributed worldwide. As of December 29, 2013, there were numerous described species across various genera.
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In North America, north of Mexico, there are approximately 240 species in 21 genera.



In the Western Mediterranean, particularly in the Maghreb region (Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco), 24 species have been described or recorded.
Wolf spiders, belonging to the family Lycosidae, are globally distributed and known for their hunting prowess. Below is a selection of notable species, along with their scientific names, common English names, and local names where available :
Venatrix furcillata
- Common English Name: Little wolf spider
- Local Name: Little wolf spider (Australia)
- Distribution: Eastern Australia
- Notes: Found in suburban gardens and lawns; known to migrate to communal webs.
Pardosa amentata
- Common English Name: Thin-legged wolf spider
- Local Name: Dünnbeinige Wolfsspinne (Germany)
- Distribution: Europe
- Notes: Common in moist habitats like riverbanks and meadows.
Alopecosa fabrilis
- Common English Name: Garden wolf spider
- Local Name: Garten-Wolfspinne (Germany)
- Distribution: Europe
- Notes: Often found in gardens and open woodlands.
Pirata piraticus
- Common English Name: Pirate wolf spider
- Local Name: Piratenspinne (Germany)
- Distribution: Europe
- Notes: Inhabits wetlands and is known for its swimming ability.

Arctosa cinerea
- Common English Name: Beach wolf spider
- Local Name: Strandwolfspinne (Germany)
- Distribution: Europe
- Notes: Found in sandy coastal areas; camouflages well with its environment.

Lycosa erythrognatha
- Common English Name: Red fang wolf spider
- Local Name: Aranha-de-ferradura (Brazil)
- Distribution: South America
- Notes: Recognizable by its reddish chelicerae; found in various habitats.

Lycosa singoriensis
- Common English Name: Russian wolf spider
- Local Name: Russische Wolfsspinne (Germany)
- Distribution: Eastern Europe, Central Asia
- Notes: One of the largest wolf spider species; inhabits steppes and semi-deserts.

Lycosa leuckarti
- Common English Name: Australian wolf spider
- Local Name: Australian wolf spider (Australia)
- Distribution: Australia
- Notes: Common in open forests and grasslands; known for carrying its egg sac attached to spinnerets.