South Carolina State Spider: Carolina Wolf Spider (2024)

FAQs

Is the South Carolina wolf spider poisonous? ›

It is possible to be allergic to a wolf spider's venom, but they are not poisonous. Since wolf spiders are large, their bite may be painful. If you have mild pain, swelling, or itchiness around the bite, it shouldn't last long. The pain should go away within minutes.

It is quite prolific along the South Carolina Coast. The Carolina Wolf Spider was designated as the official State Spider by Act Number 389 of 2000. At three to four inches, the Carolina Wolf Spider is the largest species of wolf spider in North America.

Also known as the Giant Carolina Wolf Spider, the Carolina Wolf Spider is the largest wolf spider in North America and is one of the largest of the 2,200+ species of wolf spiders found worldwide.

Carolina wolf spiders do not use a web to capture their prey. Instead, they have several adaptations that allow them to easily chase down prey. They rely on quick speed and excellent eyesight to help them capture their prey. They also use their pedipalps (small front legs) to catch their prey.

Wolf spiders are beneficial in the garden, but they will bite if provoked. Unlike most spiders, you will not find the wolf spider perched in a web laying in wait for its prey. Named for its style of attack, this solitary arachnid is a true hunter.

Since wolf spiders are so large, their bite may be painful, but pain, swelling, or itchiness around the bite shouldn't have much longevity. Luckily, they are not generally aggressive and will likely choose to flee rather than attack if you happen to cross paths.

crab spider, (family Thomisidae), family of spiders (order Araneida) that are crablike in shape and, like many crabs, often walk sideways or backward.

The South Carolina state spider is the Carolina wolf spider (Hogna carolinensis). This spider is considered to be the largest North American wolf spider. It is also one of the largest wolf spider species worldwide.

Meet the Joro Spider

These spiders are sexually dimorphic, with females being significantly larger than males. Female Joro spiders can reach sizes of up to 1-1.5 inches in body length, not including their long legs.

Carolina Wolf Spider

The Carolina wolf spider is large, hairy and fast. Their mottled brown and black bodies easily camouflage themselves on forest floors, however, in more coastal climates, these spiders are easier to spot on the sandy ground of coastal shorelines.

What are the most poisonous spiders in South Carolina? ›

Of the four venomous spiders in South Carolina, three are from the widow family: the southern black widow, the northern black widow and the brown widow, according to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension. The fourth venomous spider is the brown recluse.

Wolves are colored in mottled browns and grays that provide camouflage among leaves on the forest floor. The state spider is normally shy of humans but may bite if touched or threatened. While not fatal, its bite can be painful, like a bee sting.

Hogna carolinensis, also known as the Carolina wolf spider, is usually regarded as the largest of the wolf spiders found in North America. The body length of females is typically 25 millimetres (0.98 in), and the body length of males is typically around 19 mm (0.75 in).

Like other spider species, wolf spiders have fangs and venom, which they need to catch their prey and incapacitate them. So, because they have fangs, they can technically bite. However, they aren't considered dangerous to people or pets.

The mother may be carrying hundreds of offspring at a time. While you might be tempted to squish one of these spiders with your broom, think again. If your target happens to be an egg-carrying female, it might release hundreds of spiderlings onto your floor.

They eat ants, fleas, earwigs, even bed bugs. Outdoors, large wolf spiders will even kill and eat insects and small birds. In your home, the wolf spider is like a tiny little exterminator that patrols your home doing a bit of pest control every day.

Wolf spiders will usually only bite people if they come into direct contact with them and feel threatened. Being careful around areas where wolf spiders might be living will reduce the risk of being bitten. The vast majority of wolf spider bites do not require medical attention.