Wolf-spider
Guides
Allocosa
Allocosa is a genus of wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) comprising over 130 described species with a distribution centered in the Americas. The genus was established by Nathan Banks in 1900 and has been the subject of taxonomic revision, with African species assignments remaining uncertain and requiring re-examination. Several well-studied species, including Allocosa brasiliensis, A. alticeps, and A. senex, exhibit notable sex-role reversal in mating systems, where females actively seek male burrows and initiate courtship. These spiders are ground-dwelling burrowers, often inhabiting sandy coastal or dune environments.
Allocosa funerea
Allocosa funerea is a small wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, originally described by Hentz in 1844 under the name Lycosa funerea. The species exhibits notable sexual dimorphism in size, with females being slightly larger than males. It is primarily distributed across the eastern and central United States.
Allocosa sublata
Allocosa sublata is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Montgomery in 1902. It is a ground-dwelling spider known from the United States. Very few observations exist in public databases, with only five records on iNaturalist as of the latest data. The genus Allocosa contains multiple North American species, many of which occupy similar terrestrial habitats.
Alopecosa aculeata
Spinyrib Wolf Spider
Alopecosa aculeata is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, found across a broad geographic range spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. Taxonomic study has revealed that specimens historically identified as this species actually represent two distinct species, with A. aculeata and A. taeniata now recognized as separate based on morphological, behavioral, and ecological differences. The species exhibits distinct courtship behavior and habitat preferences that differ from its close relatives.
Alopecosa exasperans
Alopecosa exasperans is a wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It forms part of the albostriata species group alongside A. albostriata and A. mutabilis, a group distributed across Siberia and the northern Nearctic. The species has been recorded in Canada and Greenland. Taxonomic research suggests this species group may eventually be transferred to the genus Mustelicosa based on male palp morphology.
Alopecosa hirtipes
Alopecosa hirtipes is an Arctic wolf spider (family Lycosidae) distributed across northern North America and Eurasia. The species has been studied for its reproductive biology, with research documenting correlations between female body size, mass, and clutch characteristics. As a ground-dwelling lycosid, it inhabits tundra and cold-adapted habitats where it exhibits typical wolf spider behaviors including maternal care of egg sacs.
Alopecosa kochi
Koch's Wolf Spider
Alopecosa kochi is a medium-sized wolf spider (Lycosidae) distributed across North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico. It is an active cursorial hunter that does not build capture webs, instead pursuing small invertebrates on open ground. The species exhibits clear sexual dimorphism, with males typically smaller, darker, and possessing more defined leg banding. Females carry egg sacs attached to their spinnerets and transport spiderlings on their backs after hatching.
Alopecosa pictilis
Painted Wolf Spider
Alopecosa pictilis is a wolf spider species in the family Lycosidae, first described by Emerton in 1885. It is one of approximately 150 species in the genus Alopecosa, a group of ground-dwelling hunting spiders distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. The species exhibits the typical wolf spider characteristics of active hunting behavior and maternal care of egg sacs. Records indicate it has been observed in at least 29 documented occurrences.
Arctosa alpigena
Hilltop Wolf Spider
Arctosa alpigena is a wolf spider in the family Lycosidae with a holarctic distribution spanning North America, Greenland, and Eurasia. It is one of numerous Arctosa species adapted to open, often sandy or gravelly habitats. Like other wolf spiders, it is an active ground-dwelling hunter rather than a web-builder. The species has been subject to reproductive biology studies examining spatial and temporal patterns of mating and offspring production.
Arctosa littoralis
beach wolf spider, shoreline wolf spider
Arctosa littoralis, commonly known as the beach wolf spider or shoreline wolf spider, is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is a medium-sized spider (11-15 mm body length) with highly effective camouflage coloration adapted to sandy habitats. The species ranges throughout North and Central America, where it inhabits beaches, dunes, stream banks, and other sandy environments. It is primarily nocturnal and can be located at night by the distinctive blue-green eyeshine produced when light reflects from its tapetum lucidum.
Arctosa perita
Sand Bear Spider
Arctosa perita is a wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, commonly known as the sand bear spider. It is native to Europe, North Africa, Turkey, the Caucasus, and Russia, and has been introduced to Canada. The species is adapted to dry, sandy habitats where it constructs burrows.
Arctosa raptor
Raptor Wolf Spider
Arctosa raptor is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning northern Eurasia and North America, with records from Russia (including Kamchatka), Nepal, the United States, and Canada. The species was first described by Polish arachnologist Władysław Kulczyński in 1885. Like other wolf spiders, it is an active hunter that does not construct webs to capture prey.
Arctosa rubicunda
Redlined Wolf Spider
Arctosa rubicunda is a wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, commonly known as the Redlined Wolf Spider. It occurs in North America, with confirmed records from the United States and Canada including Alberta and British Columbia. The species has been documented as a host for the spider wasp Priocnemis minorata, which paralyzes it to provision nests for its larvae.
Arctosa sanctaerosae
Santa Rosa Wolf Spider
Arctosa sanctaerosae is a wolf spider endemic to the secondary dunes of white sandy beaches along the Northern Gulf Coast of the United States. The species is nocturnal and burrow-dwelling, with discrete generations. It has experienced significant habitat degradation and fragmentation due to coastal development and tourism over the last century, resulting in reduced gene flow and smaller effective population sizes across five identified population clusters. Hurricanes pose additional natural disturbance, with population recovery influenced by dune height and vegetation density.
Arctosa virgo
Arctosa virgo is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, described by Chamberlin in 1925. It is known from the United States, with records from oak-hickory forests in southern Missouri. As a member of the genus Arctosa, it belongs to a group of cursorial wolf spiders adapted to ground-dwelling predation. Very little specific information has been published about this species beyond its original description and a few collection records.
Camptocosa
Camptocosa is a genus of wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) described in 2005. The genus currently contains two species. Members of this genus are ground-dwelling hunting spiders.
Eucyrtopogon diversipilosis
Eucyrtopogon diversipilosis is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Curran in 1923. The genus Eucyrtopogon contains small to medium-sized predatory flies that can be confused with the related genus Comantella, with which they share similar habitats and seasonal patterns. Very little specific information has been published regarding the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Asilidaerobber-flypredatorDipteraNorth-AmericaEucyrtopogoninsectflyCurran-1923diversipilosisdiverse-hairstibia-spurComantellaidentificationantennal-segmentshair-colorationsmall-to-mediumpredatorysimilar-generaconfusiontaxonomyrevision-neededseasonal-activityspringfallearlylateoverwinteringadultsgroundbare-soilopen-fieldshumpbackedprofilemarch-flyBibionidaeasilidmatingwolf-spiderPardosapreyspiderBritish-ColumbiaNevadaUtahIdahoCaliforniaColoradoNew-MexicoAlbertaFront-Rangeeastern-ColoradoColorado-SpringsPortaleseastern-New-Mexicowestern-North-Americachecklistrevisionterminal-stylethird-antennal-segmentmaneMohawkthoraxlegs10-15-mmprotected-placesoverwinterbiology-unknownsuspectedobservedCanningsColeDennisLavigneKnutsonBarnesHullJamesBarrStephensNelsonBug-EricFly-Day-FridayMarch-12November-29201120132017iNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-Lifeacceptedexact-match1-observationsparse-datainferred-contentconservativefactualclarityusefulnesscautious-languagehas-been-observedis-known-tonullunknownnot-clearly-supporteddo-not-inferdo-not-fabricatedo-not-repeatunique-contentnon-overlappingdirect-sentencesconcrete-statementshigh-level-overviewphysical-descriptiondistinguishenvironmentconditionsgeographic-rangetimingfeeding-habitsdevelopmental-stagesnotable-actionsecosystem-roleinteraction-with-humansmeaningfulimportant-additional-contextcleardirectavoid-fluffavoid-filleravoid-repeating-taxonomyavoid-technical-jargonconcretewell-supportedpartial-but-reliablestrictly-matchJSON-schemano-extra-fieldsno-commentaryentomology-guideaccurateinformativefactual-correctnesscompletenessverbosityspeculationjustifiedvague-generalizationslike-most-insectstypically-feeds-on-plantsbehaviorsdietlife-cycle-detailshost-relationshipshighmediumlowtruefalse3-5-sentencesonlyhow-to-distinguishmust-include-reasononly-if-meaningfulonly-for-important-additional-contextavoid-overly-technical-jargonGeolycosa
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 escambiensis
Geolycosa escambiensis is a burrowing wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, described by Wallace in 1942. Like other members of the genus Geolycosa, this species constructs deep, silk-lined burrows in sandy soils and spends the majority of its life underground. The species is known from the southeastern United States, with the specific epithet suggesting a connection to Escambia County or the Escambia River region. Burrowing wolf spiders are characterized by their enlarged anterior median eyes, stout front legs adapted for digging, and elevated cephalothorax.
Geolycosa fatifera
Geolycosa fatifera is a burrowing wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, found in the United States. As a member of the genus Geolycosa, it spends the majority of its life in a deep burrow. The species was first described by Nicholas Marcellus Hentz in 1842. Like other Geolycosa species, it exhibits traits associated with fossorial (burrowing) existence, including stout front legs adapted for digging.
Geolycosa hubbelli
Geolycosa hubbelli is a species of burrowing wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is found in the United States and belongs to a genus characterized by deep, silk-lined burrows. Members of this genus are typically associated with sandy or loose soil habitats where they construct vertical burrows with debris-reinforced turrets.
Geolycosa micanopy
Geolycosa micanopy is a burrowing wolf spider species in the family Lycosidae, described by Wallace in 1942. It is known from the United States. As a member of the genus Geolycosa, it constructs deep, silk-lined burrows in sandy substrates. A laboratory study has examined burrow establishment behavior in young individuals of this species in relation to microhabitat conditions and prey availability.
Geolycosa missouriensis
Missouri Burrowing Wolf Spider, Burrowing Wolf Spider, Missouri Earth Spider, Missouri Wolf Spider
Geolycosa missouriensis is a large wolf spider native to the Great Plains of North America. It is a burrowing specialist that spends most of its life in deep, silk-lined vertical burrows, emerging primarily to hunt or mate. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in size, with females reaching approximately 21 mm in body length and males 15–18 mm. Unlike wandering wolf spiders, this species employs an ambush predation strategy, detecting prey through ground vibrations from within its burrow.
Geolycosa patellonigra
Geolycosa patellonigra is a burrowing wolf spider species in the family Lycosidae, described by Wallace in 1942. It is found in the United States, with records from Florida and potentially other southeastern states. As a member of the genus Geolycosa, it constructs deep silk-lined burrows in sandy soils and exhibits notable ballooning behavior—spiderling aerial dispersal via silk threads—at frequencies higher than typical for wolf spiders. The species shows geographical variation in its seasonal distribution patterns.
Geolycosa pikei
Pike's Burrowing Wolf Spider
Geolycosa pikei is a burrowing wolf spider endemic to the United States, characterized by its cryptic sandy coloration and specialized fossorial lifestyle. The species constructs deep, silk-lined burrows in sandy substrates, primarily along seashores but also inland. It exhibits rapid wound healing through hemolymph coagulation. Females are larger (18–22 mm) than males (~14 mm). The spider is primarily nocturnal, hunting at dusk by running over sand surfaces.
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.
Geolycosa turricola
turret spider, burrowing wolf spider
Geolycosa turricola is a burrowing wolf spider (family Lycosidae) native to the eastern United States, ranging as far west as Ohio. This species constructs deep, silk-lined burrows in sandy soils, often with a distinctive turret of silk and debris at the entrance. It exhibits an obligate burrowing lifestyle with a two-year life cycle and has been documented showing high frequencies of ballooning behavior—aerial dispersal via silk threads—despite occupying relatively stable sand dune habitats. Spiderlings display subsocial organization with prolonged mutual tolerance within broods, facilitated primarily by chemical communication.
Geolycosa wrighti
Black-bellied Burrowing Wolf Spider
Geolycosa wrighti is a burrowing wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, found in the United States and Canada. As a member of the genus Geolycosa, it constructs and occupies vertical burrows in soil, spending most of its life underground. The species is known for distinctive defensive behavior where individuals block their burrow entrance using their cephalothorax and legs when disturbed.
Geolycosa xera
McCrone's burrowing wolf spider
Geolycosa xera, commonly known as McCrone's burrowing wolf spider, is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is endemic to Florida in the United States, where it inhabits scrub habitats in several central Florida counties. The species was described by McCrone in 1963 and comprises two recognized subspecies with restricted distributions.
Geolycosa xera archboldi
Archbold's Burrowing Wolf Spider
Geolycosa xera archboldi is a subspecies of burrowing wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. Like other members of the genus Geolycosa, it constructs and inhabits deep, silk-lined burrows in sandy soils. The subspecies designation suggests geographic isolation and potential ecological specialization. Adults are nocturnal hunters that may be detected at night by the reflective glow of their eyes when illuminated by artificial light.
Hesperocosa
Hesperocosa is a monotypic genus of wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) established in 1937. It contains a single species, Hesperocosa unica, known only from the United States. The genus is poorly studied, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Hogna ammophila
Hogna ammophila is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is a member of the genus Hogna, which includes large, ground-dwelling hunting spiders. The specific epithet "ammophila" (Greek for "sand-loving") suggests an association with sandy habitats, though detailed natural history information for this particular species is limited in available sources.
Hogna angusta
Hogna angusta is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Tullgren in 1901. The genus Hogna includes large, active hunting spiders commonly found in open habitats. As with other Hogna species, H. angusta likely exhibits the characteristic eye arrangement and nocturnal eye-shine typical of wolf spiders. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Hogna antelucana
Hogna antelucana is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is a ground-dwelling, nocturnal hunter found in the United States. As a member of the genus Hogna, it is a relatively large wolf spider with well-developed eyes adapted for low-light conditions. The species was described by Montgomery in 1904.
Hogna coloradensis
Hogna coloradensis is a wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1894. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Hogna, it is a ground-dwelling, cursorial hunter. Specific details regarding its ecology and behavior remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Hogna ericeticola
Rosemary Wolf Spider
Hogna ericeticola, known as the rosemary wolf spider, is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It was described by Howard K. Wallace in 1942. The species is endemic to Florida scrub habitats in Putnam County, Florida, United States. As a member of the genus Hogna, it is a large, active ground-dwelling spider.
Hogna frondicola
Forest Wolf Spider
Hogna frondicola is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, commonly known as the Forest Wolf Spider. It is found throughout the United States and Canada, with confirmed records from Alberta and British Columbia. The species is one of several Hogna species known to serve as hosts for the spider wasp Anoplius aethiops, which paralyzes and provisions its burrows with these spiders.
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.
Hogna miami
Miami wolf spider, Florida wolf spider
Hogna miami is a species of wolf spider endemic to southern Florida, first described by Wallace in 1942. It is a terrestrial burrower that constructs small tubular burrows in the ground. The species is characterized by distinctive coloration and eye arrangement typical of the family Lycosidae. Its range is restricted to the southern portion of Florida below 28-29° latitude, with most records from Miami-Dade County.
Hogna osceola
Hogna osceola is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Gertsch and Wallace in 1937. It is a burrow-living wolf spider found in sandy habitats of western Texas and adjacent regions. Like other members of the genus Hogna, it exhibits the characteristic eye arrangement of wolf spiders with enlarged posterior median eyes that produce eyeshine visible at night when illuminated. The species appears to be associated with sand dune systems, where individuals construct silk-lined burrows.
Hogna pseudoceratiola
Hogna pseudoceratiola is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by H. K. Wallace in 1942. It is endemic to a restricted range in Florida, occurring only in scrub habitats on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. The species is known from just five iNaturalist observations, indicating it is poorly documented and likely rare or locally distributed. Its specific epithet references its similarity to Hogna ceratiola, another Florida endemic.
Hogna timuqua
Hogna timuqua is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Wallace in 1942. The species belongs to a genus of large, active hunting spiders commonly found in North American habitats. Like other Hogna species, it is presumed to be a ground-dwelling predator with well-developed eyes adapted for nocturnal activity. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in published sources.
Lycosidae
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) are robust, agile hunters characterized by excellent eyesight and solitary behavior. The family is distinguished by a unique eye arrangement featuring two large, forward-facing posterior median eyes that produce distinctive reflective eyeshine. Most species are ground-dwelling and do not construct webs for prey capture, instead actively hunting or ambushing prey. Females carry egg sacs attached to their spinnerets and subsequently transport spiderlings on their backs. The family exhibits considerable ecological diversity, with species occupying habitats ranging from sandy beaches to forest floors and agricultural fields.
Melocosa fumosa
Melocosa fumosa is a wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by James Henry Emerton in 1894. The species is documented from the United States and Canada. As a member of the genus Melocosa, it belongs to a group of wolf spiders characterized by burrowing behavior and specific eye arrangement patterns. The species has been recorded in iNaturalist with over 100 observations, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists.
Pardosa albomaculata
Thin-legged wolf spider
Pardosa albomaculata is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, originally described by Emerton in 1885. It was previously treated as a synonym of P. groenlandica but has been reestablished as a distinct species based on morphological differences in male palpal structures and female epigynes. It belongs to the glacialis/groenlandica species complex, a group of closely related Holarctic Pardosa species. The species is part of the most abundant genus of wolf spiders in North America.
Pardosa atlantica
Atlantic wolf spider, thin-legged wolf spider
Pardosa atlantica is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, described by Emerton in 1913. As a member of the genus Pardosa, commonly known as thin-legged wolf spiders, it belongs to one of the most abundant wolf spider genera in North America. The species is found in the United States, though specific details about its ecology and biology remain limited in available literature. Like other Pardosa species, it is likely a ground-dwelling, active hunter.
Pardosa atromedia
Pardosa atromedia is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is found in the United States. As a member of the genus Pardosa, it shares the characteristic long leg spines and elevated cephalothorax typical of this diverse and abundant group of wolf spiders. The species was described by Banks in 1904.
Pardosa californica
Pardosa californica is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Keyserling in 1887. It belongs to the genus Pardosa, which comprises small to medium-sized wolf spiders characterized by long spines on their legs that are nearly perpendicular to the leg axis. The species is found in the United States and Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with moist habitats near water sources, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Pardosa concinna
Thin-legged Wolf Spider
Pardosa concinna is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. Like other members of the genus Pardosa, it is characterized by long spines on the legs that are nearly perpendicular to the leg axis, distinguishing it from most other wolf spiders. The species is found in western North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada, and parts of the United States. Species-level identification requires microscopic examination of genitalia.
Pardosa dorsuncata
Pardosa dorsuncata is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It was described by Lowrie and Dondale in 1981. The species is found in the United States and Canada, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. As a member of the genus Pardosa, it shares characteristics typical of this widespread group of small to medium-sized wolf spiders.