Wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) are common ground-dwelling arachnids found across the globe, known for their robust build and active hunting style. These spiders do not rely on sticky silk to capture prey, making them distinctly different from many web-building species. Their existence as solitary, fast-moving predators has led many to question the specific components of their diet. This curiosity is particularly focused on whether these agile hunters target the highly numerous, but often chemically defended, ant population.
Defining the Wolf Spider as a Hunter
Wolf spiders are classified as cursorial hunters, meaning they actively run down or stalk their prey rather than building a web to passively trap it. Their common name is derived from this solitary, running pursuit of food, similar to the perceived hunting method of wolves. This lifestyle requires powerful legs for bursts of speed and a body structure adapted for life on the ground, often blending in with soil and leaf litter using various shades of brown, gray, and black camouflage.
Their exceptional eyesight, second only to jumping spiders, supports their ability to track moving targets. Their eight eyes are arranged in three distinct rows: four small eyes on the bottom, two very large forward-facing eyes in the middle, and two medium-sized eyes on the top. The two large middle eyes are important for detecting movement and providing the necessary visual acuity for a successful chase. Many wolf spider eyes also contain a specialized reflective tissue called a tapetum lucidum, which allows them to see better in low light conditions, aiding their predominantly nocturnal hunting.
Ants as Prey: The Direct Answer
Yes, wolf spiders do eat ants, and ants are often listed as one of their regular food sources. As opportunistic carnivores, wolf spiders will consume a variety of ground-dwelling insects. Ants are highly abundant in nearly all the habitats these spiders occupy, and their sheer density makes them a readily available meal, especially for smaller or younger wolf spiders.
Consuming ants presents unique challenges due to their chemical defenses. Many ant species, such as wood ants, can spray or excrete formic acid, a potent substance used to deter attackers. The spider’s speed and venom are key factors in overcoming this hurdle. A quick attack allows the spider to immediately subdue the ant before a coordinated colony defense can be mounted or before the ant can deploy its acid.
Ants tend to serve as a supplemental food source for wolf spiders. They are generally not the preferred or primary prey when larger, less chemically defended insects are available. Ants are most likely consumed when other prey is scarce, or by smaller spiders that match the size of the ant, reducing the risk of a dangerous chemical encounter.
A Broader Menu: Other Prey
While ants are part of their diet, wolf spiders are generalist predators whose menu is quite broad and dependent on what is locally available. Their primary food sources include a wide array of ground-dwelling arthropods that lack the strong chemical defenses of ants. Common targets include crickets and grasshoppers, which are chased down using the spider’s speed and vision.
Wolf spiders frequently consume other small invertebrates, such as flies, earwigs, and beetle larvae. Larger species have been known to tackle bigger prey, including other spiders, earthworms, and small vertebrates like frogs or toads. Prey size is generally limited only by the size of the spider itself, as they must be able to overpower the meal quickly using their venom.