Wolf Spiders – Nature Journeys

Rustic Wolf Spider

Trochosa ruricola

This is a distinctly reddish-brown spider with a pale band running down the carapace, and is one of the larger species of wolf spider. The females have larger abdomens than the males. Body length up to 14mm.

It feeds on small invertebrates which it hunts down on the ground.

Seen all year round. Found under stones in grassland, and in damp places like woodland under leaf litter and moss. A common and widespread species throughout Britain.

Photograph of Rustic Wolf Spider (Trochosa ruricola), taken May 2012, local field, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2012. Camera used Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38.

11/16 by Peter Hillman Categories: Animals, Animals (Invertebrates), Arachnids, Nature Photography, Spiders, Wildlife PhotographyTags: Arachnids, Lycosidae, Macro, Macro Photography, Nature, Nature Photography, Rustic Wolf Spider, Spiders, Trochosa ruricola, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography, Wolf Spiders Leave a comment

Pardosa lugubris

The males of this species are quite dark greyish, with a distinctive pale central stripe, where the females are browner and lighter. One of the smaller species of wolf spider. Body length up to 6mm.

It feeds on small invertebrates which it hunts down on the ground.

Seen spring to early summer. They are found on woodland margins and clearings. A common and widespread species throughout Britain.

Photograph of Pardosa lugubris, taken July 2012, local woodland margin, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2012. Camera used Nikon Coolpix P500.

11/16 by Peter Hillman Categories: Animals, Animals (Invertebrates), Arachnids, Nature Photography, Spiders, Wildlife PhotographyTags: Arachnids, Lycosidae, Macro, Macro Photography, Nature, Nature Photography, Pardosa lugubris, Spiders, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography, Wolf Spiders 2 Comments

Spotted Wolf Spider

Pardosa amentata

I have a lot of these wolf spiders in my garden, which appear to be centred around my garden pond and raised flowerbed. These are all most likely females featured here.

The males appear darker than the females, and they have large black palps. Their bodies are also covered in dark hairs and dark blotches or spots. Body length females 5.5-8mm, males 5-6.5mm.

Nimble and fast, these wolf spiders hunt their prey on the ground. They feed on small invertebrates.

They mature between spring and autumn. They are often seen quite active in early spring, resting on rocks, logs and vegetation, warming in the sun. The females are seen carrying the white egg sacs under their abdomen, or the spiderlings on their backs. Found in a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, hedgerows, woodland margins, and gardens. A common and widespread species.

Photographs of Spotted Wolf Spider (Pardosa amentata)taken March 2014, rear garden, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2014. Camera used Nikon D3200, with Sigma 105mm macro lens.