Species › Insects & Arthropods › Carolina Wolf Spider

Carolina Wolf Spider

Hogna carolinensis

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Carolina Wolf Spider (Hogna carolinensis)

The Carolina Wolf Spider is the largest wolf spider in North America, with females reaching over an inch in body length. It is a ground-dwelling predator that chases prey rather than building webs. Females are famous for carrying their egg sac attached to spinnerets and then carrying the spiderlings on their back after hatching. Their eyes reflect strongly in flashlight at night, making them easy to spot.

Habitat
Open fields, forests, and suburban lawns
Diet
Adults: ground-dwelling insects, other spiders, and invertebrates
How common
Common

Best time to see a Carolina Wolf Spider

The best time to see a Carolina Wolf Spider is May–September, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,398 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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