Forest Wolf Spider

The Forest Wolf Spider (Hogna frondicola), is a member of the wolf spider family Lycosidae. These spiders are common across the rest of the United States and Canada, including Illinois. The leg span of a forest wolf spider is approximately 50 millimeters, with females typically being larger than males. They share the same long legs with other members of their family, which are ideally suited for running. Their carapaces have a characteristic, broad grey stripe running down the middle of them. Their legs and abdomens appear light grey, whereas the remainder of their carapaces appears dark grey.

Forest wolf spiders catch victims without the use of webs thanks to their sharp vision and agility. They normally spend the day hiding down in their underground tunnels and hunting at night. Due to their large size, they can deliver a painful bite, but their bite is not medically significant.