Carolina Wolf Spider Care Sheet

Carolina Wolf Spider
ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Jon Fouskaris.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The Carolina Wolf Spider is the largest species of wolf spider in North America. They are found in burrows located in open fields. All wolf spiders are very skittish and very fast, but not necessarily too aggressive. Due to their speed and their nervousness, they should not be handled. The photo to the left was taken strictly to compare the size of the Carolina Wolf Spider to a person's hand, and you should not try it because you will probably end up losing your spider! Female Carolina Wolf Spiders may produce many large eggsacs, and then carry around the babies on her back once they spiderlings emerge and disperse. The females can live for over 3 years, with the males lifespan being much shorter. The Carolina Wolf Spider is a good display species for any invertebrate collection!

Range	Throughout the United States and southern Canada.
Type	Terrestrial, but will burrow to some extent.
Diet	Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets. Adults eat crickets, and other large insects.
Full Grown Size	3 to 4 inches.
Growth	Fast speed.
Temperature	75 to 85° F.
Humidity	75 to 80%.
Temperament	Semi-aggressive and nervous.
Housing	Spiderlings can live in a clear plastic deli-container with air holes. Adults can live in a 2 1/2 to 5-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.
Substrate	3 to 6 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor	No decorations are really needed.
Other Names	Giant Carolina Wolf Spider, and Carolina Giant Wolf Spider.

*Please note that ALL true spiders have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. The venom of this true spider has caused necrosis lesions. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this true spider. Affects of this true spiders' natural defenses may vary between people. All true spiders should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!