Friday, July 13, 2012

All About the Wolf Spider



Coming across a Wolf Spider within the home during late night hours can often be a truly traumatic experience. Not only are they rather large and intimidating as far a spiders are concerned, but they also bear a slight resemblance to both the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. Even though they are by far the least dangerous to humans of the three arachnids, this insect still contains powerful venom that can cause problems within children or those who experience allergic reactions. The area of skin where the attack took place will normally have a moderate amount of pain and swelling involved, and seeking medical care is highly recommended with any type of venomous spider bite.

The Wolf Spider has several unique characteristics that allow it stand apart from other arachnids. This species can most easily be identified by their eight total eyes; which are located in three separate rows and varying in size. While capable of producing silk, this insect does not weave webs and instead prefers to borrow down into the ground when building a home. The nest will normally be a narrow opening that is cleverly hidden behind sticks, leaves, and other objects the Wolf Spider has placed there herself. During heavy rain, if this species den is threatened by running water the arachnid will effectively construct a dam out of rocks and other nearby materials, and sometimes webbing is also used to create further concealment from the outside world.

The Wolf Spider is one of the few species that carries her unborn young with her from within an egg sac that is attached to her lower abdomen by silken strands, and during this period the spider is still fully capable of hunting or defending herself. Once her offspring are born they travel with her until reaching a suitable age to fend for themselves; but after that original bonding period expires they will likely never again cross paths without attacking one another. This species definitely prefers a solitary life.

The Wolf Spider also differs from many other arachnids in that it feels comfortable hunting during daylight or evening hours, and will often attack prey much larger than itself when the element of surprise favors them. Common meals for this species are mosquitoes, small rodents, flies, moths, and other spiders.

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