The Find-a-Spider Guide

The Find-a-Spider Guide    The Find-a-Spider Guide    The Find-a-Spider Guide    The Find-a-Spider Guide
Find a spider by...     common name     location       species       family       webs and egg sacs     photos

Wolf spider

Fact Box
Species:
Artoriopsis expolita (VF)
or a closely related species
Family:
Lycosidae
Body length:
female: 8 mm
male: 6 mm
Habitat:
In a shallow burrow, the entrance to which is usually open, but usually seen wandering
Toxicity:
Uncertain; may be too small to cause significant human illness but treat with caution
Artoriopsis expolita
Click to enlarge
Another female
Click to enlarge
A related species?

This species has surface markings quite similar to those of other members of the same family, although it is smaller than Lycosa species. It is very common in lawns and the males often wander into houses in spring and summer.

Arteriopsis specimens are notable vagrants and can often be found outside the burrow foraging for insects.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Trochosa species and Venatrix furcillata.


Email Ron Atkinson for more information.    Last updated 12 March 2010