Wolf-spiders
Guides
Alopecosa
Fox Spiders
Alopecosa is a genus of wolf spiders (Lycosidae) comprising approximately 160 species. These ground-dwelling spiders are predominantly Eurasian in distribution, with some species extending into North Africa and North America. Most species reach up to 2 cm in body length. Females construct burrows for egg deposition and guard their egg sacs until hatching. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with species historically grouped into sibling species complexes based on morphology, though courtship behavior and molecular techniques have proven more reliable for species delimitation.
Hogna
wolf spiders
Hogna is a large genus of wolf spiders (Lycosidae) comprising more than 200 described species distributed across all continents except Antarctica. The genus is taxonomically problematic, having never been properly revised even in Europe, and lacks a reliable diagnostic framework. Species are generally large, ground-dwelling hunters that construct open silk-lined burrows rather than using trapdoors. Hogna carolinensis is among the largest wolf spiders in North America, with females reaching 35 mm body length. The genus exhibits notable ecological diversity, with parallel habitat specialization documented in island radiations such as the Galápagos and Madeira.
Pardosa
Thin-legged Wolf Spiders
Pardosa is a large genus of wolf spiders comprising over 500 described species with worldwide distribution except Australia. These spiders are generally small to medium-sized (3–12 mm body length), characterized by long, thin legs with prominent perpendicular spines. They occupy diverse habitats including wetlands, woodlands, grasslands, and high-elevation environments. Many species exhibit sexual dimorphism in coloration, with mature males often displaying distinct patterns from females. Species identification requires microscopic examination of genitalia.
Pirata
pirate wolf spiders
Pirata is a genus of wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) commonly known as pirate wolf spiders. These spiders are characterized by their association with moist habitats and distinctive eye arrangement typical of lycosids. The genus was established by Sundevall in 1833 and contains multiple species distributed across North America and Eurasia. Pirata species are active hunters that do not build permanent webs for prey capture.