Family: Lycosidae, Wolf Spiders view all from this family

Description Male 1/8-3/8" (4-10 mm), female 1/4-3/8" (5-10 mm). Slender, long-legged. Dark or with lengthwise dark-and-light stripes. Covered with long hair. Upper row of large eyes occupies major area on the front of the head. Spines on legs relatively long.

Food Insects.

Life Cycle Female spins lens-shaped oval cocoon, attaches it to spinnerets, and drags it about. Cocoon is greenish at first but soon turns dirty gray. Spiderlings are carried on female's back.

Habitat Soil surface in grassy fields.

Range Throughout North America.

Discussion This spider does not build a shelter. It hunts over a limited territory and often basks in the sun, keeping warm and ready for quick pursuit of potential prey. There are more than 100 species of this genus in the United States and Canada. Only a specialist can distinguish them reliably.