Wolf spiders are a common sight in New Jersey. These spiders belong to the family Lycosidae, characterized by their hunting prowess rather than the construction of elaborate webs. Their frequent presence often leads to encounters with residents, especially as the spiders occasionally wander into homes.
Presence in New Jersey
Wolf spiders are prevalent throughout New Jersey, adapting to habitats from coastal areas to inland forests and suburban gardens. The genus Hogna, which includes some of the largest wolf spiders, is well-represented, with species like the Carolina wolf spider (Hogna carolinensis) found in the state. These arachnids are primarily ground-dwelling hunters, actively stalking prey instead of waiting in a web.
Their preferred outdoor environments include wooded areas, fields, and damp, sandy spots near water sources. They are also frequently found under stones, logs, and leaf litter. Wolf spiders do not build webs for catching prey, but some species create silk-lined tunnels or burrows for shelter, emerging to ambush passing insects. Encounters inside homes, particularly in basements, garages, and sheds, are common as the spiders venture indoors seeking prey or refuge.
Identifying Characteristics
Distinguishing a wolf spider from other New Jersey spiders depends on physical and behavioral traits. They are robust, hairy spiders with body lengths ranging from about a quarter-inch up to an inch and a half, with females being larger than males. Their coloration is usually a mix of brown, black, and gray tones, providing effective camouflage against the ground and leaf litter.
The definitive characteristic is the arrangement of their eight eyes, set in three distinct rows. The bottom row has four small eyes, the middle row contains two large, prominent eyes, and the top row holds two medium-sized eyes. This specific pattern grants them excellent vision for hunting and helps differentiate them from similar-looking spiders, such as nursery web spiders. Another telling sign is the female’s maternal behavior: she carries her egg sac attached to her spinnerets until the spiderlings hatch. Once the young emerge, she carries the hundreds of spiderlings on her back for several weeks before they disperse.
Understanding the Bite and Safety
Wolf spiders are non-aggressive and will only bite defensively if they feel threatened, handled, or accidentally trapped against the skin. Their venom is designed to subdue small invertebrate prey and is not considered medically significant or dangerous to humans. A bite may break the skin and can be immediately painful, similar to a bee sting, but serious complications are rare.
Symptoms at the bite site include localized pain, mild swelling, and redness, which usually subside within a few days. If a bite occurs, clean the area thoroughly with soap and water to prevent secondary infection. Applying a cold compress or ice pack can help reduce localized swelling and pain. Medical attention is rarely needed unless a person experiences signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, spreading rash, or a red line extending from the bite, or if signs of infection develop.