Wolf spiders, members of the family Lycosidae, captivate attention with their presence on every continent except Antarctica and even far north of the Arctic Circle. These arachnids are often found dwelling in piles of foliage, leafy debris, or small burrows, making the most of their habitat. One fascinating aspect of wolf spider behavior is their unique method of carrying their spiderlings on their backs. However, this raises the question: what do these spiders eat, and how do they feed their numerous offspring?
In this article, we will delve into the preferred diet of wolf spiders, their hunting techniques, and the appropriate food for a pet wolf spider. Additionally, we will examine the life cycle of these intriguing creatures, giving particular attention to the spiderlings that hitch a ride on their mother’s abdomen.
What Do Wolf Spiders Like to Eat?
Wolf spiders have a diverse diet, primarily consisting of ground-dwelling insects such as ants, worms, and insect eggs. These carnivorous creatures hunt their prey, ranging in size from one to three inches in length including their legs. Occasionally, they have been known to consume small frogs and toads.
Here are some of the foods wolf spiders enjoy:
- Ants
- Beetles
- Earwigs
- Worms
- Other spiders
- Roaches
- Pill bugs
- Aphids
- Millipedes
- Centipedes
While less common, wolf spiders may also consume insect eggs and flying insects that land on the ground for a brief period. In Australia, the largest wolf spiders have even been observed eating small frogs and toads, showcasing their opportunistic hunting behavior.
How Do Wolf Spiders Hunt?
Wolf spiders are known to be solitary, nocturnal hunters with powerful legs and exceptional eyesight. Their remarkable night vision is due to the tapetum lucidum structure within their primary pair of eyes, causing their eyes to reflect light like a cat’s in the dark.
These spiders employ two primary hunting techniques. Firstly, they spot their prey and use their strong legs to chase and catch it. When close enough, they pounce on their prey, holding it tight with their mandibles while injecting venom to liquefy the prey’s insides.
The second hunting method comes into play for certain wolf spider species that create tube-like burrows lined with silk. These burrows may even be camouflaged with a trapdoor. The wolf spider patiently waits near the entrance of the burrow for an unsuspecting insect to wander by. Once the moment arrives, they swiftly lunge from their hiding spot, grasping the prey with their strong legs.
Both hunting approaches showcase the agility and adaptability of these fascinating hunters. Their combination of powerful legs, sharp eyesight, and ability to quickly pounce and inject venom make them efficient predators in the night.
What Do Wild Wolf Spiders Eat?
Wolf spiders, being carnivores, primarily feed on various ground-dwelling insects that inhabit their diverse range of environments, including meadows, mountains, deserts, and rainforests. Their diet is directly influenced by the particular region they reside in, as they consume the most abundant insects available. Some examples of their prey include ants, beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, roaches, and even insect eggs or recently deceased insects they may come across.
These incredible hunters are easily identifiable by their long, powerful legs and unique eye arrangement, consisting of four small eyes below two large eyes, and two additional small eyes near the top of their head. North America alone hosts around 200 species of wolf spiders, while Europe counts about 50.
Though they may appear frightening to some, wolf spiders pose no harm to humans and will only bite in self-defense. In fact, their bites are not considered dangerous at all. In various habitats such as grasslands and agricultural areas, these spiders are actually favored by gardeners and farmers as natural pest control agents, feeding on insects that are considered harmful to crops.
What Do Pet Wolf Spiders Eat?
Pet wolf spiders have a diverse diet, mainly consisting of small insects. They particularly enjoy feasting on grasshoppers, worms, flies, mealworms, and even roaches. As enthusiastic hunters, these spiders make great pets for arachnid lovers.
It is essential to feed your pet wolf spider every two days. However, larger wolf spiders may require daily feeding. Remember to provide them with prey that is appropriately sized to ensure your spider stays happy and healthy.
What Do Baby Wolf Spiders Eat?
Baby wolf spiders, known as spiderlings, have a unique upbringing compared to other spiders. After the female lays her eggs, she creates an egg sac that she attaches to her spinnerets, carrying it around until the eggs hatch. Upon hatching, the spiderlings exhibit a strong bond with their mother by clinging to her back for several days or even weeks before venturing out on their own.
As carnivorous creatures, baby wolf spiders share similar eating habits with their adult counterparts, but on a smaller scale. They feed on:
- Insects: Smaller insects that suit their size.
- Larvae: Grubs and other larvae found in the environment.
- Aphids: These tiny pests are perfect prey for spiderlings.
As the spiderlings grow, their choice of prey expands accordingly, enabling them to tackle larger insects. The progression in their diet helps them become more formidable hunters as they mature into adult wolf spiders.
In summary, baby wolf spiders are nurtured by their mothers until they become independent. Once they venture out, they rely on their carnivorous instincts to hunt small prey and gradually move onto larger targets as they grow.