Distribution: Hundreds of different species found around the world, including Australia
Habitat: Most habitats including dry inland shrublands, wet coastal forests and alpine meadows
Description: Most Wolf Spider species have dull colours with varied patterns of brown, yellow and grey. Inland species are commonly salmon pink underneath. They have a raised orange spot called a ‘boss’ on each side of their jaw and three rows of eyes – a row of four small ones below a square of four big ones.
Diet: This spider is a carnivore and eats beetles, flies and ants.
In the wild: The female wolf spider constructs an egg sac made of papery silk and carries them behind her until they hatch. She then carries the babies on her back until they are big enough to fend for themselves.
Threats: Wolf Spiders are preyed on by many different species, including other insects such as the Mantisfly and the Hunting Wasp.
At Perth Zoo: Get up close to the Wolf Spider and other invertebrates in the Nocturnal House.
Join the Perth Zoo-coordinated Night Stalk from 1 September to 16 October and spotlight for native animals in your local bushland. Night Stalk is a great way to become involved in community conservation action and to learn about our native animals, their habitat and their threats. Night Stalk is sponsored by Tronox.
Did you know? They get their ‘wolf’ name from the way they chase down their prey instead of snaring it in a web. Not particularly dangerous to humans, a bite from Wolf Spider usually only causes minor pain and itchiness.