Wolf Spider
Tigrosa grandis
WOLF SPIDER FAMILY (Lycosidae)
A large dark brown spider with brown and black banded legs. Males and females of this species are about the same size, about one inch in body length, with legs extended they would span about 2 to 2.5 inches. The generic name is derived from the tiger because of the fierce nature of the species found in Tigrosa and in recognition of the stripes on the dorsal surface of the body and contrasting dark and light markings on the legs.
The general distribution of this spider is from Texas to Montana. In our area it may be uncommon because we are on the eastern edge of its normal range. This spider can be found in many habitats where it hunts for insects, mainly on the ground. It is not known to spin a web.
In spite of the large size and ferocious appearance of this spider it is harmless to humans. The female lays her eggs in a silken sac that she attaches to the end of her abdomen. When the eggs hatch the spiderlings crawl onto the females’s back where she carries them for protection from other creatures.
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