Wolf spiders are common arachnids known for their hunting prowess rather than web-building. These active predators are indeed present in Illinois, where their adaptable nature makes them a frequent sight.
Wolf Spiders in Illinois: General Information
Illinois is home to at least 47 species of wolf spiders, making them a common presence throughout the state. These ground-dwelling spiders inhabit diverse outdoor environments, including gardens, fields, grasslands, and forests. They can also wander into residential areas such as basements, garages, and sheds, particularly when seeking shelter or prey.
Wolf spiders are active hunters, patrolling the ground day and night in search of insects and other small invertebrates. Their body sizes typically range from about half an inch to two inches, with leg spans that can extend up to three inches. Their coloration usually consists of browns, grays, and blacks, often with patterns that provide camouflage in their natural surroundings.
Identifying a Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders have robust, hairy bodies with camouflage patterns in shades of brown, gray, black, or tan. A key identification feature is their unique eye arrangement: eight eyes in three rows. The bottom row has four small eyes, followed by two very large eyes in the middle, and two medium-sized eyes set further back on top of their head.
Unlike many web-building spiders, wolf spiders are active hunters that pursue their food. They are known for their speed and tend to run rapidly rather than jump when disturbed. Their hunting method involves stalking and pouncing on prey, as they do not construct webs.
Understanding Wolf Spider Bites
Wolf spiders are generally not aggressive towards humans, biting only when provoked, threatened, or accidentally trapped. A bite might occur if a spider is inadvertently pressed against the skin.
The symptoms of a wolf spider bite are usually mild and localized, often comparable to a bee sting. Common reactions include pain, redness, swelling, and itching at the bite site. Their venom is not considered medically significant to humans, meaning serious complications are rare. If bitten, basic first aid involves cleaning the area with soap and water and applying a cold compress to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Distinguishing From Other Spiders
It is important to differentiate wolf spiders from other common spiders, particularly the brown recluse. Wolf spiders are typically larger and hairier than brown recluses. A significant distinguishing feature is their eye arrangement: brown recluse spiders have six eyes in three pairs, while wolf spiders have eight eyes in their characteristic three-row pattern. Brown recluses also possess a distinct violin-shaped marking on their back, which wolf spiders lack.
Wolf spiders also differ from funnel weaver spiders, sometimes called grass spiders. The primary distinction lies in their hunting methods: funnel weavers construct sheet-like webs with a funnel retreat to catch prey, while wolf spiders actively hunt. Although both can appear brown or gray, the presence of a distinct web indicates a funnel weaver rather than a wolf spider.