The largest wolf spider in North America — body up to 1.5 inches. A ground-hunter that chases prey rather than spinning a web. Mothers carry their egg sac attached to their spinnerets and the hatched spiderlings ride on her back for days.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Hogna carolinensis, commonly-known as the Carolina wolf spider and giant wolf spider, is found across North America. It is the largest of the wolf spiders in North America, typically measuring at 18-20mm for males and 22-35mm for females.
Source: Wikipedia — Hogna carolinensis Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Large brown spider with darker markings on cephalothorax. Eight eyes — two large front eyes plus smaller eyes arranged in rows.
Similar species. Other wolf spiders (smaller). Tarantulas (much larger, hairier, slower).
Voice. N/A; produces subtle vibrations during courtship.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Insects, smaller spiders, occasionally small lizards. Active hunter.
Behavior. Hunts at night by sight and vibration. Mothers carry egg sacs attached to spinnerets and carry hatched spiderlings on their backs.
§ Range
Eastern and central US
§ Habitat
Diverse: meadows, lawns, gardens, woodland edges
§ Threats
Pesticide drift, lawn-centric yards reducing prey, fear-driven killing.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the carolina wolf spider is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Skip pesticides. Maintain habitat diversity. Tolerate spiders — they're excellent pest control.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Hogna carolinensis
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Hogna carolinensis
- iNaturalist · taxon 49255
- IUCN Red List — search for Hogna carolinensis
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Hogna carolinensis
§ Sources cited
- American Arachnological Society
- iNaturalist
- BugGuide
