Zoological World

Grass spider

Wolf spider

• The grass spiders possess narrow bodies and long legs. These species are confused with other spiders named the brown recluse spider. Depending on the species, the grass spider can possess six or eight eyes, arrayed in three rows. Their body color varies from black to white, while the abdomen is darker-colored.

• The wolf spiders possess venom glands and strong fangs, helping them catch their prey. Their body color varies from camouflage to black, grey, and brown. In addition to it, sometimes the wolf spiders are all one color. These species usually possess some blotches or stripes over their bodies of various colors.

• The grass spiders are present in various countries, including all over North America, parts of Canada, the USA, etc. It does not require much time to look for these spiders. Furthermore, the grass spider cannot create strong webs above the ground; therefore, their habitat includes grass and low-lying bushes.

• The wolf spiders are present throughout the world, including all parts of Australia. They tend to live about anywhere. These small creatures are native to gardens, lawns, burrows, leaf litters, cold mountaintops, volcanic lava tubes, rainforests, sub-urban lawns, and grasslands.

• The female grass spiders possess a body length of about 10 to 20 millimeters, while males are approximately 9 to 18 millimeters in length. There is a yellow-brown to brown-colored carapace with a darker longitudinal bands’ pair, extending back from the lateral eyes, and a very thin lines’ pair located on each carapace’s side. However, their weight is not specified due to data deficiency.

• The male wolf spiders are smaller than the female wolf spiders. However, the size of a wolf spider varies. Their body lengths range from about 0.6 centimeter to 3 centimeter or a quarter of an inch to over an inch, excluding legs. There are eight legs slightly longer than body length. In addition, the wolf spider possesses an average weight of not more than an ounce or 0.028 kilograms.

• Like other creatures on the earth’s surface, the grass spiders also require a proper diet to survive. They eat various prey, including small insects present in lawns and grassy years. For example, aphids, moths, grasshoppers, and other insects.

• Like grass spiders and other animals, the wolf spiders also require proper food to survive. The wolf spider eats insects and various invertebrates. The females eat prey such as small vertebrates, including reptiles and amphibians.

• Like all other spiders, the grass spiders communicate with each other using various vibrations called seismic communication. The grass spider communicates during mating or courting procedures, when warning rivals or predators, or when they try to catch prey by mimicking the vibrations of other insects they have trapped in the webs.

• Research has shown that organisms may use vibrations or different sounds to communicate with each other. The same is the case with wolf spiders. The wolf spider uses vibrations to communicate with each other. But these vibrations do not come with audible sounds. On the other hand, the purring wolf spiders tend to produce both vibrations and sounds.

• Although grass spiders are not harmful, but are venomous, like other spiders. Their venom is not a risk to humans in most cases. The grass spider uses its venom to subdue prey rather than biting unsuspecting gardeners. Their small fangs cannot penetrate human skin.

• The wolf spiders are not a major threat to people, but their venom can cause irritation, burning, and allergic reactions. The bite of these large-sized wolf spider insects may be painful. In addition to it, the mild pain, itchiness or swelling around their bites might not last long.

• The grass spiders are not considered medically or economically important spiders. However, they are beneficial spiders as they survive by eating various other insects. There will be biting only during mishandling otherwise, they are not harmful. It is recommended to visit physicians for any concerns relating to the grass spider.

• Like all creatures, including plants and animals on earth’s surface, the wolf spiders also have a purpose. For example, these insects play a vital role in the ecosystem as it serves as both predator and prey. The natural history survey reports the wolf spider hunts its habitat for smaller spiders and other insects.

• The grass spiders live for a specific time, after which they die. For instance, the grass spider possesses an average lifespan of about one to two years. The male grass spider lives for a much shorter time than females.

• Like grass spiders and other creatures, the wolf spiders also have a specific lifespan, after which they die. For example, the wolf spider lives for approximately one year and less.

• There are many predators of grass spiders, including Tarantula hawks, spider wasps, centipedes, etc.

• The wolf spiders are preyed on by various animals such as scorpions, birds, monkeys, other spiders, etc.

• Removing webs, mowing lawns frequently, eliminating brush piles, washing dishes immediately after using, and cleaning up food and beverages are some ways to get rid of grass spiders.

• Blocking entry points, creating a barrier, taking away hiding places, discouraging the wolf spider insects, and making a clean sweep of houses are some of the ways to get rid of these wolf spider species.