Wolf spiders are members of the family Lycosidae, so named for their robust and agile hunting skills and excellent eyesight. They live mostly in solitude, hunt alone, and usually do not spin webs. Some are opportunistic hunters, pouncing upon prey as they find it or chasing it over short distances; others wait for passing prey in or near the mouth of a burrow.
Homalonychus is a genus of araneomorph spiders, and is the only genus in the family Homalonychidae. It was first described by George Marx in 1891. As of October 2023 it contains only two species: H. selenopoides and H. theologus. They are found in the southern United States and Mexico: H. theologus is mostly found west of the Colorado River, while H. selenopoides is mostly found to the east, with some populations in Death Valley and near Mercury, Nevada.
The Kauaʻi cave wolf spider, also known to local residents as the blind spider, is only known to occur in a few caves in a lava flow with an area of 10.5 km2 (4.1 sq mi) in the Kōloa–Poʻipū region of Kauaʻi, Hawaiian Islands, and only six populations are known to exist. While their nearest surface-dwelling relatives have large eyes, this species has completely lost its eyes. They reach a body length around 20 mm (0.8 in), and are reddish brown and completely harmless to people. Unlike most wolf spiders, it produces only 15 to 30 eggs per clutch. The female carries the egg sac in her mouthparts until the spiderlings hatch.
Hogna carolinensis, commonly known as the Carolina wolf spider and giant wolf spider, is found across North America. It is the largest of the wolf spiders in North America, typically measuring at 18–20 mm for males and 22–35 mm for females.
Pisaurina mira, also known as the American nursery web spider, is a species of spider in the family Pisauridae. They are often mistaken for wolf spiders (Lycosidae) due to their physical resemblance. P. mira is distinguished by its unique eye arrangement of two rows.
Tigrosa helluo, commonly known as the Wetland Giant Wolf Spider, is a species of spider belonging to the family Lycosidae, also known as wolf spiders. T. helluo was formerly known as Hogna helluo before differences between dorsal color patterns, habitat preferences, body structures, etc. were discovered. The species is native to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It can be found across the eastern half of the United States, primarily in the Northeast and New England, and as far west as Nebraska and Kansas. T. helluo can be found in diverse habitats including woods, marshes, fields, and riparian areas. Typically, members of this species prefer to live in wetter areas as opposed to dry environments. Males tend to live for around a year and females will live for close to two years.
Schizocosa saltatrix is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is found in North America.
Geolycosa turricola is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is found in the eastern United States and as far west as Ohio. The spider has a two year life cycle, with copulation occurring in late summer.
Schizocosa retrorsa is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is found in the United States and Mexico.
Schizocosa bilineata is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is found in the United States and Canada.
Schizocosa crassipes is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is found in the United States.
Schizocosa avida is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is found in North America.
Schizocosa minnesotensis is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is found in the United States and Canada.
Homalonychus theologus is a species of true spider in the family Homalonychidae. It is found in the United States and Mexico. The spiders camouflage themselves by covering themselves with sand when molting, and typically can be found under rocks or, if rocks are not found in the habitat, dead cacti.
Schizocosa ocreata is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae that is found in North America. The Schizocosa ocreata is a spider that is most commonly known as the “brush-legged wolf spider” because of their distinct dark-colored fur-like coverings around their legs. The S. ocreata are commonly found in North American states, usually in the middle and eastern United States.
Pardosa lapidicina, the stone spider, is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae.
Schizocosa crassipalpata is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. It is found in the United States and Canada.
Oxyopes scalaris, the western lynx spider, is a species of lynx spider in the family Oxyopidae. It is found in North America. A study based in Washington found that this species reaches adulthood and is most active in spring and early summer. They are considered beneficial in orchards.
Schizocosa stridulans is a sibling species of S. ocreata and S. rovneri and is part of the wolf spider family. The name of the genus comes from the epigynum structure being lycosid and having a split T excavation. This spider is well-known for its specific leg ornamentation and courtship rituals and that is how it has been differentiated from its related species. The S. stridulans take systematic steps during its courtship ritual, which involves two independent signals. More specifically, female spiders will leave silk and pheromones to communicate that they are ready to mate.
Allocosa subparva is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae. They are found throughout western North America, as far north as Oregon to Idaho and as far south as Nayarit, Mexico.
