Wolf spiders are common in Ohio, found in various environments. These robust, hairy arachnids are active ground hunters, not web-builders. Their appearance and hunting style sometimes leads to misidentification.
Identifying Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders range from under 10 to over 35 millimeters, with females often larger. Their hairy bodies vary in color, usually brown, gray, or black, with stripes or splotches for camouflage.
A distinguishing feature of wolf spiders is their unique eye arrangement: eight eyes in three rows. The bottom row has four small eyes, the middle row contains two very large eyes, and the top row has two medium-sized eyes. This eye pattern, particularly the two prominent large eyes, helps differentiate them from other spiders. Their eyesight is developed, aiding their hunting activities.
Where Wolf Spiders Live and How They Behave
Wolf spiders inhabit various Ohio environments, including gardens, lawns, woodlands, fields, and homes, especially basements or ground floors. They are adaptable and found wherever insects, their primary food source, are present. Some species may construct burrows, while others are wanderers, seeking shelter under rocks, logs, or leaf litter.
These spiders are active hunters, pursuing prey on the ground rather than relying on webs. They are known for their speed and ability to pounce on insects like crickets, grasshoppers, ants, and flies. Wolf spiders are solitary. Females provide maternal care, carrying spherical egg sacs attached to their spinnerets. After hatching, spiderlings climb onto their mother’s back for several days to a few weeks before dispersing.
Understanding a Wolf Spider Bite
While wolf spiders can bite if they feel threatened or are handled, their venom is generally not considered dangerous to humans. A wolf spider bite typically results in localized symptoms such as mild pain, redness, and swelling, similar to the reaction one might have to a bee sting. Sometimes, small fang marks may be visible at the bite site.
Severe reactions to a wolf spider bite are uncommon and usually occur in individuals who have allergies to spider venom. If a bite occurs, basic first aid involves cleaning the affected area thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter antihistamines may also be used to alleviate itching. It is advisable to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, persist, or if signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or facial swelling, develop.