Explanation of Names
Named after the genus Lycosa, itself from the Greek word "lycosa" meaning "wolf".
The names of several of the genera follow a pattern: the Greek name of a mammalian carnivore has an "a" or "cosa" added to the end:
Lycos- wolf
Alopex- Fox
Arctos- Bear
Pardos- Panther
Numbers
Over 200 species in North America
Identification
These spider have eight dark eyes of unequal size arranged in three rows, the first having four eyes (see below). The abdomen and the cephalothorax are usually as long as wide. The long legs have three microscopic claws at each tip.
Range
Found throughout North America
Life Cycle
The male courts potential mates by rhythmically waving his pedipalps. The female spins a spherical egg sac, attaches it to her spinnerets, and drags it about until the spiderlings emerge. The young clamber about on the female’s back and are carried until they are ready to disperse (see below).
Remarks
Most wolf spiders live on the ground and hunt for prey at night. Their dark mottled colors help camouflage them among the leaves. Except for one genus, wolf spiders do not spin webs. Some dig burrows in the ground, others make holes under rocks, and many have no retreat at all.
