Wolf spiders are creatures commonly encountered in gardens and homes, recognized by their distinctive appearance and their active hunting behavior. They are often dark brown or gray with markings, possess eight eyes arranged in three rows, and have long, hairy legs. These spiders are often the subject of various misconceptions, particularly concerning the behavior of their young.
Dispelling the Myth
Contrary to a myth, baby wolf spiders do not eat their mother. This idea might arise from the sight of numerous spiderlings clinging to the mother’s back, which can be misinterpreted. While some spider species do exhibit behaviors where the young consume the mother, known as matriphagy, this is not characteristic of wolf spiders. Wolf spider mothers, instead, demonstrate maternal care, actively protecting their offspring.
The Mother’s True Role
Wolf spider mothers exhibit dedication to their young, beginning their maternal care even before the spiderlings hatch. A female wolf spider carries her egg sac, a spherical silk case containing around 100 eggs, attached to her spinnerets at the end of her abdomen. This allows her to transport and protect the developing eggs while still being able to move and hunt. When the spiderlings are ready to hatch, the mother assists by tearing open the egg sac.
Following hatching, the newly emerged spiderlings climb onto their mother’s back, forming a dense cluster. They remain on her back for approximately two weeks, benefiting from her protection and transportation. During this period, the mother continues to carry them, even while hunting for prey, shielding them from potential threats. The spiderlings undergo their first molt while still on the mother’s back, developing before venturing out on their own.
Spiderling Independence
After one to two weeks, or their first molt, wolf spiderlings are ready to disperse from their mother’s back. At this stage, they are slightly larger and more robust, capable of fending for themselves. They begin to hunt for their own food and navigate their environment independently.
To spread out and establish new territories, young wolf spiders utilize a dispersal method called ballooning. This involves releasing strands of silk into the air, allowing the wind to carry them to new locations, sometimes over considerable distances. This transition to independence is a phase in their life cycle, ensuring they can find sufficient resources and avoid overcrowding.