The wolf spider (family Lycosidae) is a common, widespread, ground-dwelling arachnid found globally. These spiders are distinguished by their robust, often hairy appearance and solitary, nomadic nature. Unlike most other spider species, they do not construct webs to capture prey; instead, the wolf spider is an active hunter.
Are Wolf Spiders Predators of Other Spiders?
Wolf spiders are opportunistic predators that readily consume other spiders, engaging in both interspecies predation and cannibalism. They attack and kill other species of spiders (intraguild predation) encountered while hunting. This consumption is a consequence of their generalist hunting strategy and the availability of other arachnids, not a dietary preference.
Size differential is a major factor determining success. Larger wolf spiders frequently prey on smaller individuals, including young of their own species (cannibalism). Studies suggest that the predatory approach to another spider is more cautious and slower than when attacking insect prey, reflecting the inherent risk of engaging a potentially venomous opponent.
The frequency of both cannibalism and intraguild predation increases when food resources are scarce or population densities are high. This predatory behavior acts as a form of natural population control, influencing the species composition and size distribution of the spider community in a given area.
How They Hunt
The wolf spider’s hunting success relies on extraordinary speed and highly developed sensory organs. They are active hunters, employing strategies that involve stalking, ambushing, or chasing down prey over short distances. Their impressive speed allows them to quickly subdue a target before it can escape or retaliate.
Sensory Tools
A distinctive feature that aids their nocturnal hunting is their arrangement of eight eyes in three rows, including two very large eyes in the middle row. These large eyes possess a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum, which gathers ambient light, allowing them to see effectively in low-light conditions. This layer is responsible for the bright “eyeshine” visible when a light beam is shone onto the wolf spider at night.
Beyond vision, wolf spiders rely heavily on mechanoreception to locate ground-dwelling prey. Their legs are covered in fine sensory hairs called trichobothria, which are extremely sensitive to minute air currents and ground vibrations. These hairs enable them to detect the subtle movements of nearby prey and precisely orient the spider toward the source of the movement.
Once the wolf spider has located and closed the distance on its prey, it pounces, grasping the victim with its strong legs. It delivers a rapid, venomous bite using its chelicerae to immobilize and subdue the meal. Since they do not use a sticky web for capture, this sequence of speed, sensory input, and quick venom injection is the foundation of their predatory method.
General Prey and Diet
As generalist predators, wolf spiders consume a wide variety of arthropods, playing an important role in regulating ground-dwelling insect populations. Their primary diet consists of small invertebrates found in the leaf litter and on the soil surface, including crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and ants.
They also routinely feed on soft-bodied arthropods, such as caterpillars, earwigs, and various insect larvae. Larger wolf spider species, particularly mature females, occasionally prey on small vertebrates like tiny frogs or reptiles. Their broad, carnivorous appetite makes them highly effective biological controllers in natural and agricultural ecosystems.