Delta Journal
by Bob Thomas

The Wolf Spiders of the Family Lycosidae are among the most abundant and commonly encountered spiders in the forest. They usually run about individually on the ground, and do not construct webs to capture their prey. This predatory behavior earned them their common name, since wolves run about in search of their prey. Very large wolf spiders may reach 2 inches in length, but most are about one inch long or less.

They are usually patterned with stripes in various shades of brown. Small insects and spiders are the principal prey items. The females carry the spherical egg cases (which is their only use of their silk) attached to their spinnerets. If they drop the egg case, they quickly pick it up. If they lose it completely, they may attach other objects to their spinnerets. Wolf spiders often create a smooth cup-shaped depression beneath a log or stone in which they rest while holding the egg case. When the eggs hatch, the spiderlings climb on the mother’s back and stay there for a while before they disperse.

When a flashlight is shown across the forest floor, the surface of water, or a grassland, many, many tiny bluish white lights appear to shine. These are the reflections of spider eyes. Occasionally one sees a very bright shine that comes from a mother wolf spider and her spiderling hitchhikers. It is amazing how such tiny eyes sparkle in the light.

One will marvel at the abundance of spiders in most ecosystems. They are obviously important components of a wide array of habitats.