Eye-shine
Guides
Geolycosa
Burrowing Wolf Spiders
Geolycosa is a genus of burrowing wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) established by Montgomery in 1904. These spiders are characterized by their obligate burrowing lifestyle, constructing deep cylindrical burrows in sandy or loose soils. Some species build distinctive turrets around burrow openings using sticks and debris. The genus includes approximately 70 species distributed across North America, with some species extending into the Levant. Geolycosa species are medium to large spiders with morphological adaptations for digging, including enlarged chelicerae and stout anterior legs.
Geolycosa rafaelana
Rafaela Burrowing Wolf Spider
Geolycosa rafaelana is a burrowing wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, found in western desert and scrubland habitats of the United States. As a member of the genus Geolycosa, it constructs deep, silk-lined burrows in sandy soils and is primarily nocturnal. The species was described by Chamberlin in 1928 and appears to be associated with arid environments in the southwestern U.S.
Hogna carolinensis
Carolina wolf spider, giant wolf spider
Hogna carolinensis, the Carolina wolf spider, is the largest wolf spider in North America. Females reach 22–35 mm in body length, males 18–20 mm. This species inhabits self-made or appropriated burrows in open habitats across a broad geographic range. Females carry egg sacs attached to their abdomen during the approximately two-week incubation period, and spiderlings cling to the mother's back for several days after hatching. The species is notable for its eye shine when illuminated at night, effective thermoregulation abilities, and unique venom containing lycotoxins with antimicrobial properties.
Hogna lenta
Field Wolf Spider
Hogna lenta is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, commonly known as the Field Wolf Spider. It is native to the southeastern United States, with particular abundance in Florida. This large, ground-dwelling spider constructs vertical burrows in sandy substrates and hunts using vibration detection. The species has been used in neuroanatomical research to study catecholaminergic neuron distribution in spider central nervous systems.