Wolf-spider
Guides
Pardosa fuscula
Pardosa fuscula is a small to medium-sized wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, distributed across the United States and Canada. As a member of the thin-legged wolf spider genus Pardosa, it exhibits characteristic long leg spines and elevated cephalothorax typical of the group. The species occupies diverse habitats including wetlands, woodlands, and open fields. Identification to species level requires microscopic examination of genitalia.
Pardosa groenlandica
Groenland Wolf Spider, Greenland Wolf Spider
Pardosa groenlandica is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, commonly known as the Groenland Wolf Spider or Greenland Wolf Spider. It is one of approximately 65 Pardosa species recognized in the United States and 75 species north of Mexico. The species has a notably broad distribution spanning arctic and subarctic regions across multiple continents.
Pardosa hyperborea
Pardosa hyperborea is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It has a transcontinental distribution spanning the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, occurring in northern North America, Greenland, and across northern Eurasia from Europe to Siberia. The species inhabits high-latitude and high-elevation environments, reflecting adaptations to cold climates. Like other members of the genus Pardosa, it exhibits characteristic long leg spines and elevated cephalothorax morphology.
Pardosa labradorensis
Labrador Thin-legged Wolf Spider
Pardosa labradorensis is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. As a member of the genus Pardosa, it shares the characteristic long, perpendicular leg spines that distinguish this group from other wolf spiders. The species is found in northern North America, with records from the United States and Canada. Like other Pardosa species, it is likely associated with moist habitats, though specific ecological details for this species are limited.
Pardosa lapidicina
Stone Spider
Pardosa lapidicina, commonly known as the stone spider, is a small wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It inhabits cobble beaches and rocky shorelines near water, particularly above the tide line. The species exhibits distinctive migration patterns tied to tidal cycles and seasonal temperature changes. Research has documented its use of sit-and-wait foraging behavior combined with sun-basking, and its diet includes small arthropods such as dipterans, collembolans, and amphipods. Males recognize females through a contact sex pheromone located on the female's carapace and legs, requiring physical contact for detection.
Pardosa lowriei
Lowrie's Thin-legged Wolf Spider
Pardosa lowriei is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Kronestedt in 1975. As a member of the genus Pardosa, it is characterized by long spines on the legs that are nearly perpendicular to the leg axis, distinguishing it from other wolf spider genera. The species is found in the United States and Canada. Like other Pardosa species, it is likely a ground-dwelling active hunter, though specific behavioral details for this species are not well documented.
Pardosa mackenziana
Mackenzie's Thin-legged Wolf Spider
Pardosa mackenziana is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is found across the United States and Canada, with confirmed records from Alberta and British Columbia. Like other members of the genus Pardosa, it is a small to medium-sized ground-dwelling spider. A 2000 life history study in central Alberta documented its reproductive behavior, including females sunning their egg sacs to aid incubation.
Pardosa mercurialis
Pardosa mercurialis is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, found in the United States. It belongs to the genus Pardosa, which comprises small to medium-sized wolf spiders characterized by long, perpendicular leg spines. Species-level identification requires microscopic examination of genitalia. Like other Pardosa species, it is likely ground-dwelling and associated with varied terrestrial habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Pardosa metlakatla
thin-legged wolf spider
Pardosa metlakatla is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Emerton in 1917. As a member of the genus Pardosa, it belongs to one of the most abundant and widespread wolf spider genera in North America. The species occurs in the United States and Canada, with confirmed records from Alberta and British Columbia. Like other Pardosa species, it is characterized by long, perpendicular leg spines and a preference for moist habitats near water.
Pardosa milvina
shore spider
Pardosa milvina, commonly known as the shore spider, is a small wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. This species is notable for its well-studied behavioral ecology, particularly its antipredator responses to chemical cues from larger predators. Females provide extensive parental care, carrying egg sacs attached to their spinnerets for 12–30 days and subsequently carrying spiderlings for 3–24 days. The species has been extensively researched for its predator-prey interactions, silk-mediated communication, and parental investment strategies.
Pardosa modica
Little Banded Wolf Spider
Pardosa modica is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, commonly known as the Little Banded Wolf Spider. It is one of approximately 65 Pardosa species recognized in the United States and 75 species north of Mexico. As a member of the 'thin-legged wolf spiders,' it is characterized by distinctive leg spines and is typically small to medium in size. The species is distributed across the United States and Canada, including records from Alberta and Manitoba.
Pardosa moesta
Shiny Wolf Spider
Pardosa moesta is a small to medium-sized wolf spider (family Lycosidae) belonging to the 'moesta species group' in the Nearctic region. It is one of the most abundant wolf spiders in North American grasslands, characterized by its 'thin-legged' morphology with long spines nearly perpendicular to the leg axis. The species has an annual life cycle with overwintering as subadults, and exhibits maternal care through egg sac transport. It serves as host for parasitoid wasps including Baeus sp. (Scelionidae) and Gelis sp. (Ichneumonidae), with documented egg sac parasitism rates around 14.6%.
Pardosa orophila
Pardosa orophila is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Gertsch in 1933. The species is found in the United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Pardosa, it is a ground-dwelling, cursorial hunter. Specific details about its ecology and behavior remain poorly documented in published sources.
Pardosa pauxilla
thin-legged wolf spider
Pardosa pauxilla is a small wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Montgomery in 1904. It belongs to the genus Pardosa, commonly known as thin-legged wolf spiders, characterized by distinctive long leg spines perpendicular to the leg axis. The species is documented from the United States, with 626 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Like other Pardosa species, it likely inhabits diverse environments including wetlands, woodlands, and open fields.
Pardosa saxatilis
Pardosa saxatilis is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, found in the United States and Canada. It belongs to the genus Pardosa, commonly known as "thin-legged wolf spiders," which are among the most abundant wolf spiders in North America. The species name "saxatilis" (meaning "of rocks" or "rock-dwelling") suggests an association with rocky habitats. Like other members of its genus, it is a small to medium-sized active hunter.
Pardosa steva
Pardosa steva is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, described by Lowrie and Gertsch in 1955. Like other members of the genus Pardosa, it is a small to medium-sized, ground-dwelling spider. The species is known from western North America, with confirmed records from Alberta, Canada and Idaho, United States. As with most Pardosa species, identification to species level requires microscopic examination of genitalia.
Pardosa tesquorum
thin-legged wolf spider
Pardosa tesquorum is a small to medium-sized wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, belonging to the genus Pardosa, commonly known as thin-legged wolf spiders. The species has a broad distribution spanning the Palearctic and Nearctic regions, occurring across Russia, Mongolia, China, the United States, and Canada. Like other members of its genus, it is characterized by long, slender legs with distinctive perpendicular spines. Specific ecological details for this species are limited in published literature.
Pardosa tuoba
Pardosa tuoba is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Chamberlin in 1919. It belongs to the genus Pardosa, commonly known as thin-legged wolf spiders, which are among the most abundant wolf spiders in North America. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its ecology and distribution remain limited in available sources. As with other Pardosa species, it is likely a ground-dwelling active hunter.
Pardosa uintana
Pardosa uintana is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, described by Gertsch in 1933. Like other members of the genus Pardosa, it is characterized by long spines on the legs that are nearly perpendicular to the leg axis. The species occurs in western North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. As with most Pardosa species, identification to species level requires microscopic examination of genitalia.
Pardosa vadosa
thin-legged wolf spider
Pardosa vadosa is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Barnes in 1959. As a member of the genus Pardosa, it shares the characteristic long, perpendicular leg spines that distinguish this group from other wolf spiders. The species occurs in the United States and Mexico. Like other Pardosa species, it is likely ground-dwelling and associated with varied terrestrial habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Pardosa wyuta
Wyuta Wolf Spider
Pardosa wyuta is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Gertsch in 1934. Like other members of the genus Pardosa, it is a small to medium-sized active hunter with characteristic long spines on its legs. The species occurs in western North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. As with most Pardosa species, identification to species level requires microscopic examination of genitalia.
Pardosa xerampelina
Ubiquitous Thin-legged Wolf Spider
Pardosa xerampelina is a small to medium-sized wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, commonly known as the Ubiquitous Thin-legged Wolf Spider. The species is widely distributed across North America, occurring throughout the United States and Canada including Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of the genus Pardosa, it shares the characteristic long, perpendicular leg spines that distinguish thin-legged wolf spiders from other lycosids. The species epithet "xerampelina" derives from Greek roots referring to color change, possibly alluding to seasonal or individual variation in appearance.
Pardosa yavapa
Pardosa yavapa is a species of thin-legged wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It belongs to the genus Pardosa, a diverse and abundant group of small to medium-sized wolf spiders characterized by their distinctive leg spination. The species was described by Chamberlin in 1925 and is known from the United States. As with other Pardosa species, microscopic examination of genitalia is required for definitive species identification.
Pirata alachuus
Pirata alachuus is a wolf spider species in the family Lycosidae, first described by Gertsch and Wallace in 1935. The species is known only from the United States, with records indicating presence in North America. Like other Pirata species, it belongs to a genus of wolf spiders often associated with moist habitats near water.
Pirata montanoides
Pirata montanoides is a wolf spider species in the family Lycosidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1892. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain sparse. Like other members of the genus Pirata, it is likely associated with moist or semi-aquatic habitats, as this genus is known for its affinity for wet environments.
Pirata piraticus
Pirate Otter Spider
Pirata piraticus is a wolf spider in the family Lycosidae with a Holarctic distribution spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. Unlike the wandering hunting strategy typical of many wolf spiders, this species constructs small sheet webs with retreat tubes in moist Sphagnum moss habitats. It exhibits complex life history variation with two reproductive cohorts: early-emerging individuals mature and reproduce in the same year, while late-emerging individuals overwinter and reproduce the following spring.
Pirata sedentarius
Pirata sedentarius is a wolf spider species in the family Lycosidae, first described by Montgomery in 1904. The species is distributed across North America and the Greater Antilles. Like other members of the genus Pirata, it is associated with semi-aquatic and moist habitats. The specific epithet "sedentarius" suggests relatively stationary behavior compared to more nomadic wolf spider species.
Piratula
Piratula is a genus of wolf spiders (Lycosidae) established by Roewer in 1960. The genus comprises 26 recognized species distributed primarily across Asia, with additional species in Europe and North America. Species inhabit diverse habitats from wetlands to montane regions.
Piratula canadensis
Piratula canadensis is a wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, originally described from Canada. The species occurs in boreal and montane regions of North America and has also been recorded from the Russian Far East including Kamchatka. As a member of the genus Piratula, it is associated with moist habitats near water bodies.
Piratula cantralli
Cantrall's Wolf Spider
Piratula cantralli is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, originally described as Pirata cantralli by Wallace and Exline in 1978. The species is known from the northern United States and Canada, with records from Alberta and Manitoba. It belongs to the genus Piratula, which comprises semi-aquatic wolf spiders often found in association with wetlands and riparian habitats. This species is rarely recorded, with only six observations documented on iNaturalist.
Piratula insularis
Lonely Wolf Spider
Piratula insularis is a wolf spider (family Lycosidae) found across northern regions of North America and Eurasia. First described by Emerton in 1885 under the name Pirata insularis, this species has since been reclassified to the genus Piratula. The species epithet "insularis" (meaning "of islands") likely refers to its occurrence on islands or isolated habitats, though the original description context is not preserved in available sources. It is one of several species in the genus Piratula, which comprises small to medium-sized wolf spiders often associated with wetland and riparian habitats.
Rabidosa
Rabid Wolf Spiders, Dotted Wolf Spiders
Rabidosa is a genus of wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) established by Roewer in 1960. The genus contains five recognized species distributed in North America, with most species restricted to the United States. These are medium to large-sized, ground-dwelling spiders with characteristic patterning on the dorsal abdomen. Members of this genus have been subjects of behavioral research, particularly regarding mating systems and thermal ecology. Several species are known hosts for parasitic mantisfly larvae.
Rabidosa hentzi
Rabidosa hentzi is a small wolf spider species in the family Lycosidae, found in the southeastern United States. It is distinguished from congeners by its pale coloration and a distinct narrow yellow to white stripe on the dorsal surface. The species is primarily ground-dwelling but possesses scopula hairs on the tarsi and metatarsi that enable occasional climbing into shrubs and vegetation. It is the only wolf spider known to regularly climb higher vegetation in open woodland habitats.
Rabidosa punctulata
Dotted Wolf Spider
Rabidosa punctulata is a ground-dwelling wolf spider distributed across the eastern and central United States. Mature females average 15.2 mm in body length, males 12.8 mm. The species exhibits distinctive alternative male mating tactics: complex multimodal courtship displays with substrate-borne vibrations and visual leg waves toward unmated females, versus direct coercive mounting with grappling toward already-mated females. Females carry egg sacs attached to their spinnerets and provide extended maternal care, with spiderlings riding on the mother's abdomen for approximately three weeks after emergence.
Rabidosa santrita
Santa Rita Wolf Spider
Rabidosa santrita is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, found in the United States and Mexico. It is a known host for the spider wasp Anoplius aethiops, which paralyzes and provisions it as food for its larvae. The species belongs to a genus of large, ground-dwelling wolf spiders that exhibit maternal care by carrying egg sacs and spiderlings.
Schizocosa
Brush-legged Spiders
Schizocosa is a genus of wolf spiders (Lycosidae) comprising 56 species distributed across North and South America, Africa, and East and Southeast Asia. Members are medium to large spiders (5–15 mm, occasionally to 28 mm) with strong legs, keen eyesight, and distinctive carapace morphology. The genus is notable for elaborate male courtship behaviors involving vibratory and acoustic signals, with some species exhibiting prominent leg ornamentation. Several species have been extensively studied for sexual selection, reproductive isolation, and behavioral ecology.
Schizocosa aulonia
Schizocosa aulonia is a wolf spider species described by Dondale in 1969 from the Great Lakes region. It is closely associated with beach and sand dune habitats in northeastern Illinois. The species resembles S. retrorsa, with which it shares morphological similarities.
Schizocosa avida
lance wolf spider
Schizocosa avida is a species of wolf spider (family Lycosidae) native to North America. It is one of the most frequently observed Schizocosa species, with substantial iNaturalist documentation. The species is known to serve as a host for the parasitic mantidfly Climaciella brunnea, whose larvae board female spiders and consume their egg sac contents. Like other wolf spiders, it is a ground-dwelling active hunter.
Schizocosa bilineata
Schizocosa bilineata is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, distributed across the United States and Canada. The species has been the subject of specific research on courtship and mating behavior, distinguishing it from many other lycosids that remain behaviorally unstudied. As a ground-dwelling hunter, it occupies open habitats typical of wolf spiders in temperate North America.
Schizocosa crassipalpata
Schizocosa crassipalpata is a species of wolf spider (family Lycosidae) described by Roewer in 1951. It belongs to the genus Schizocosa, which comprises medium-sized wolf spiders often recognized by their distinct dorsal color patterns. The species is known from the United States and Canada, though specific details about its biology remain limited in published literature. It has been documented as a host for the mantidfly Climaciella brunnea, whose larvae parasitize wolf spider egg sacs.
Schizocosa crassipes
A wolf spider species in the family Lycosidae, found in the United States. Males perform complex courtship displays involving visual signals and substrate vibration. The species exhibits an "edge effect" tendency to aggregate at forest-field interfaces. It has been documented as a host for mantisfly larvae (Climaciella brunnea), which parasitize spider egg sacs.
Schizocosa maxima
Schizocosa mccooki
McCook's Split Wolf Spider
Schizocosa mccooki is a large wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, distributed across western North America from the Pacific coast to western Lake Erie. This species inhabits diverse open habitats including grasslands, chaparral, desert, and pinyon pine forests. Males produce complex vibratory courtship signals consisting of thumps and raps, with female mate choice influenced by male body mass and signal characteristics. Some populations have been observed digging burrows.
Schizocosa mimula
A wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, Schizocosa mimula is a ground-dwelling species found in Mexico and the southwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits typical lycosid behaviors including active hunting without webs and maternal care of egg sacs. The species was described by Gertsch in 1934 and remains poorly documented in scientific literature.
Schizocosa minnesotensis
Schizocosa minnesotensis is a wolf spider species in the family Lycosidae. It occurs in the United States and Canada, with confirmed records from Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of the genus Schizocosa, it is a ground-dwelling active hunter. The species has been documented as a host for the mantidfly Climaciella brunnea, whose larvae board female spiders and feed on their egg sac contents.
Schizocosa ocreata
Brush-legged Wolf Spider, Brush-legged Split Wolf Spider
A medium-sized wolf spider native to eastern and central North America, distinguished by prominent sexual dimorphism. Males possess conspicuous dark bristle tufts on their forelegs used in courtship displays, while females lack these ornamentations. The species has become a model organism for studies of multimodal sexual communication, sexual selection, and predator-prey interactions involving visual signaling.
Schizocosa perplexa
Schizocosa perplexa is a small wolf spider (Lycosidae) described from central Texas in 1936. The species remains poorly known: only the male has been formally described, and its taxonomic placement has been questioned. Dondale & Redner (1978) listed it as excluded from the genus Schizocosa without explanation, and it was omitted from a major 2013 survey of U.S. spiders. Online observations suggest a potentially wider distribution than literature records indicate.
Schizocosa retrorsa
Schizocosa retrorsa is a wolf spider species in the family Lycosidae, found in the United States and Mexico. As a member of the genus Schizocosa, it shares characteristics with other wolf spiders including ground-dwelling habits and active hunting behavior. The species has been recorded as a host for the mantidfly Climaciella brunnea, whose larvae parasitize spider egg sacs.
Schizocosa saltatrix
Schizocosa saltatrix is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Hentz in 1844. It occurs in North America and shares the characteristic traits of its genus, including ground-dwelling habits and active hunting behavior. The species has been documented as a host for parasitic mantidfly larvae, specifically Climaciella brunnea.
Sosippus janus
Funnel-web Wolf Spider
Sosippus janus is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Brady in 1972. It is one of six Sosippus species known from the United States. Unlike most wolf spiders, members of this genus are web-builders, constructing sheet-like webs with funnel-like retreats. The species is found in the southern United States.