Carolina Wolf Spider

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hogna carolinensis: //ˈhɔɡ.nə ˌkæ.rəˈlaɪ.nən.sɪs//

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Summary

Hogna carolinensis, or the Carolina wolf spider, is the largest wolf spider in North America. Known for its distinctive coloration and burrowing behavior, it plays a significant role in local ecosystems as both a predator and prey.

Physical Characteristics

Females: 22 to 35 mm, Males: 18 to 20 mm. Overall light brown with mottled darker brown patterning. Carapace is dark brown with gray hairs; lighter in males. Abdomen is brown with a darker median stripe. Chelicerae have orange coloration and black around the 'knees' ventrally. Eyes reflect light, particularly identifiable at night.

Identification Tips

Males can be identified by their orange coloration on the sides of their abdomen and the presence of egg sacs on females during breeding season.

Habitat

Open areas, fields, grasslands, pastures, meadows, and deserts. They can be found under rocks during the day and live in burrows they dig or find.

Distribution

Found throughout North America including South Carolina, Kansas, Great Lakes States, and the American Southwest.

Diet

Primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates like grasshoppers and crickets; can also catch small vertebrates such as juvenile Texas banded geckos.

Life Cycle

Spiderlings are born near the end of summer and stay with their mother for about six days. They go through multiple instars until reaching breeding age around three years. They are active from March to October and hibernate from November to February.

Reproduction

Mating occurs in late summer. Females carry egg sacs attached to their abdomen during a two-week incubation period, typically with two egg-carrying seasons in late July and late August.

Predators

Predators include lizards, amphibians, wasps, birds, large arthropods, scorpions, owls, coyotes, and predatory ants.

Ecosystem Role

As a predator, the Carolina wolf spider helps control insect populations. They also serve as prey for a variety of small animals.

Cultural Significance

Designated as the state spider of South Carolina in 2000.

Health Concerns

The venom of the Carolina wolf spider is not harmful to humans, though it can cause localized pain and swelling.

Evolution

Originally classified as Lycosa carolinensis, it was reclassified to the Hogna genus due to taxonomic refinements in the latter half of the 20th century.

Misconceptions

Despite being venomous, they are not dangerous to humans and do not use their venom defensively.

Tags

• Carolina wolf spider
• Hogna carolinensis
• North American spiders
• wolf spiders
• arachnology