Wolf spider
The wolf spider, particularly the British wolf spider, is a small but fascinating member of the Lycosidae family, characterized by its hunting behavior and unique life cycle. Measuring between 1/4 and 1/3 of an inch (6 to 8 millimeters), it is typically found in damp habitats across Europe, including grasslands, marshes, and riversides. Unlike some of its relatives, the British wolf spider constructs a web beneath the water, showcasing its adaptability.
Wolf spiders are active during the day, preferring sunny spots to bask. They have a distinctive body structure divided into two main parts: the cephalothorax (which houses vital organs) and the abdomen, connected by a pedicel. Known for their speed, these spiders capture prey by running and pouncing, primarily feeding on insects.
Their mating rituals occur in summer, where males perform dances to attract females. After mating, the female carries her fertilized eggs in a silken sac until they hatch, subsequently transporting the spiderlings on her back. The British wolf spider has a life span of about one year, making it a notable part of its ecosystem.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Wolf spider
The British wolf spider is a hunting spider which spends part of its life underwater. Unlike some wolf spiders, which do not form webs, the British wolf spider does construct a web beneath the water.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Anthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Family: Lycosidae
Genus: Pardosa
Species: Amentata
The wolf spider, sometimes known as the spotted wolf spider, is a very tiny species in the family of wolf spiders, Lycosidae. Growing to a length between 1/4 and 1/3 of an inch (six and eight millimeters), the wolf spider is barely visible. It can be found throughout Europe and is prevalent in the British Isles. Wolf spiders prefer damp or moist habitats, such as grasslands, marshes, riversides, and bogs. They are active during the day and like to bask in the sun.
The wolf spider's body is divided into the two main parts of cephalothorax and abdomen. The cephalothorax is made up of both the head and the thorax, or mid-body section. This portion is also known as the prosoma. The brain, poison glands, and stomach are all held within the cephalothorax and are all protected by the hard carapace, or shell, which covers this combined body part. The abdomen lies behind the cephalothorax and contains the remaining internal organs of the spider. The abdomen is also known as the opisthosoma. The cephalothorax and the abdomen are connected by a narrow tube called a pedicel.
Like other spiders, the wolf spider has eight legs extending from the lower portion of its cephalothorax. In addition to the eight legs of the wolf spider, this creature also has a pair of palps. The palps are short front appendages which are used for tearing and grasping prey and cutting silken web threads.
Unlike other spiders, the wolf spider does not weave a web, so it catches it prey on the ground. The wolf spider is quick, so it will run and attack its prey by jumping on it and attacking the prey with its fangs. The wolf spider is a carnivore. Its diet consists of insects.
Mating between wolf spiders takes place during the summer. The male wolf spider seeks the female. When he finds a female, he performs a dance to prove to the female that he is indeed a male wolf spider and not a small insect prey. If the female accepts the dance, the two mate. Like other spiders, the wolf spider mates by direct fertilization. This means the male's sperm is released directly into the body of the female.
After mating, the female weaves a silken sac for her fertilized eggs. She then carries the sac on her underside until the young are ready to hatch. When they are ready, she helps by breaking open the sac. The female then carries the young on her back until they are mature.
The British wolf spider has a life span of about one year.
Bibliography
“Pardosa Amentata.” NatureSpot, www.naturespot.org.uk/species/pardosa-amentata. Accessed 8 May 2024.
“Spotted Wolf Spider - Pardosa Amentata.” Nature Journeys, 8 Apr. 2024, petehillmansnaturephotography.wordpress.com/spotted-wolf-spider-pardosa-amentata/.
“Wolf Spider.” The Wildlife Trusts, www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/spiders/wolf-spider. Accessed 8 May 2024.