" The Wolf Spiders of the World "


Contact us

 Lycosidae: The Agile Hunters of the Spider World

Lycosidae, commonly known as wolf spiders, are a fascinating family of ground-dwelling spiders known for their speed, keen eyesight, and hunting abilities. Unlike other spiders that rely on webs to catch prey, wolf spiders actively chase and ambush insects, making them formidable predators in the ecosystem.

Physical Characteristics

Wolf spiders have a distinctive appearance:

  • Stout bodies covered in hair, with colors ranging from brown to gray for camouflage.
  • Eight eyes arranged in three rows, providing excellent vision.
  • Strong legs, enabling fast movement and efficient hunting.

Hunting & Behavior

These spiders do not build webs; instead, they rely on stealth and agility to hunt:

  • Some species actively chase prey across the ground, similar to wolves.
  • Others ambush insects by hiding in burrows or vegetation.
  • Their excellent night vision allows them to hunt efficiently in low light.

Habitat & Distribution

Wolf spiders are widely distributed across various habitats, including:

  • Forests
  • Grasslands
  • Deserts
  • Wetlands

They can be found worldwide, from North America and Europe to Australia and Africa.

Role in the Ecosystem

Wolf spiders play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, making them natural pest controllers in gardens and agricultural fields.


Lycosa tarantula

  • Common English Name: Tarantula wolf spider
  • Local Name: Tarantola (Italy)
  • Distribution: Southern Europe, particularly Italy
  • Notes: Historically associated with the tarantella dance in Italy.
    Wikipedia

Discover more  

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.

Wikipedia

Discover more

In North America, north of Mexico, there are approximately 240 species in 21 genera.

BugGuide

In Greece, 25 species have been documented.

Foreaskv

Continue reading

In Bulgaria and Austria, around 75 species have been recorded.

Foreaskv

Discover more

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.

                                                                                                                         Wikipedia

Contact us


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.


Contact us

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.