Species Insects & ArthropodsCarolina 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

Recent Carolina Wolf Spider sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Carolina Wolf Spider? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More insects & arthropods

13-Year Periodical Cicada
13-Year Periodical Cicada
Magicicada tredecim
Acmon Blue
Acmon Blue
Plebejus acmon
Acorn Ant
Acorn Ant
Temnothorax curvispinosus
Acorn Weevil
Acorn Weevil
Curculio glandium
Aerial Yellowjacket
Aerial Yellowjacket
Dolichovespula arenaria
Alderfly
Alderfly
Sialis lutaria
Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee
Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee
Megachile rotundata
Ambush Bug
Ambush Bug
Phymata americana