Wolf Spider

Wolf Spider

Trochosa terricola
WOLF SPIDER FAMILY (Lycosidae)

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This female wolf spider was identified with the help of the experts at BugGuide. Image (A) shows the spider having been immobilized by a spider wasp. Image (B) shows two spider wasps pulling it in opposite directions, presumabley to one of their nests, in order to lay an egg on it for later consumption by the spider wasp larva.

 

This spider was found in mid-April on an upland trail in Fontenelle Forest. It is probably common in this area although it may seldom be seen because of the nocturnal hunting habit of wolf spiders.

 

There are four specis in the genus Trochosa in North America.

 

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