SPIDERS - Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders are a family of small to medium-sized spiders which are generally grey or brown with a striking series of dark brown or black markings on the body. The cephalothorax and abdomen are generally the same size, but the front cephalothorax is high in front with prominent eyes.

Wolf spiders are found in a wide range of habitats, from coastal high tide lines to mountain tops. They are particularly common in semi-arid areas and survive well in deserts. This family of spiders is most notable for its range of interesting behaviours. Most species dig burrows in soft ground with their tough chelicerae. The burrow may be capped with a trapdoor, sheet web or collar of leaf litter around the entrance.

Wold spiders are vagrant hunters, foraging for prey on the ground or amongst low foliage. The pounce on any ground-dwelling invertebrates, particularly insects, but also hunt prey larger than themselves. Prey is consumed on the spot before the spider resumes hunting. There are about 140 species of wolf spiders in Australia and more than 2300 worldwide.

GARDEN WOLF SPIDER

This species is probably the most common and well-known wolf spider in Australia. It is the largest ground-dwelling spider most people will see and is usually encountered in the backyard.

DESCRIPTION:

Garden Wolf Spiders are generally pale brown to grey with darker brown and black markings. Adult males and females are similar in appearance.

LIFE HISTORY:

During summer, the female constructs a flat, round, white egg sac about 10 mm in diameter. The egg sac is guarded by the female in the burrow and after about a month the spiderlings hatch and climb onto the back of the female's abdomen where they live for some time before dispersing to dig their own burrows. The burrow is decorated at the entrance with small leaves, twigs and bark. An adult's burrow may be 15-20 cm deep. The spider will sit at the entrance awaiting ground-dwelling invertebrates, although they will also leave the burrow and wander in search of prey.

BEHAVIOUR:

These spiders are fast-moving and cover large distances when searching for prey. They are most active at night.

HABITAT:

Found in dry and wet forests, woodlands, heathlands and suburban areas.

VENOM:

This species is not aggressive but the bite is said to be painful, causing only local pain and swelling. There is some evidence that the bite can cause skin lesions in some people.

DISTRIBUTION:

• Queensland
• New South Wales
• Victoria
• South Australia
• Western Australia

SIZE:

Male body length: 18 mm

Female body length: 25 mm

DESERT WOLF SPIDER

This species is active at night and males in particular can be fast moving and strongly defensive when disturbed. However, if near its burrow, the spider will retreat rather than turn on an attacker. The effect of the Desert Wolf Spider's bite is not known.

DESCRIPTION:

The abdomen is black with a yellow-brown stripe along the length, which varies in width. The cephalothorax is yellow-brown and the eyes black.

LIFE HISTORY:

Very little is known of the biology of this species. The spiders live in burrows 10-25 cm deep, depending on the soil type, with an entrance up to 15 mm in diameter, depending on the age and size of the spider. These burrows are constructed in red sandy to clay soils in open areas, particularly in disturbed areas such as roadsides. There is no lid to the burrow and the spider sits just below the opening at night, with its front legs and part of its body protruding out, awaiting passing prey. Desert Wolf Spiders are found throughout the year but are most common during late spring and summer.

BEHAVIOUR:

Adults shelter in their burrows during the day and are active at night, sitting at the entrance to the burrow or on the ground just outside.

HABITAT:

Found in woodlands and shrublands in arid and semi-arid areas.

VENOM:

The venom is not known but the spider should be treated with caution.

DISTRIBUTION:

• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Northern Territory

SIZE:

Male body length: 20 mm

Female body length: 24 mm