Explore the key differences between Wolf Spider Vs Brown Recluse in this concise yet informative article!
Get ready to learn about the most notorious spiders in the animal kingdom: the wolf spider and the brown recluse. From their size and appearance to their hunting techniques and venomous bites, we’ll explore everything in this article – Wolf Spider Vs Brown Recluse!
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What is Wolf Spider?
Wolf spiders, also known as ground spiders or hunting spiders, are unique and fascinating creatures with eight dark eyes. Unlike other arthropods, wolf spiders do not spin webs to catch their prey but instead hunt and chase their food. They are found in many habitats, from deserts to rainforests, grasslands to suburban lawns. Wolf spiders are vital in controlling insect populations and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
What is Brown Recluse?
The brown recluse, also known as the violin and fiddleback spider, is a venomous spider found in the Western and Southern parts of the United States. This arthropod is light tan or yellow in color and has a distinctive violin-shaped marking on its dorsum. Brown recluse spider is typically found in undisturbed locations such as attics, storage areas, and wall or ceiling voids, as well as in natural habitats like caves, under the rocks, and in rodent burrows.
Difference Between Wolf Spider and Brown Recluse/Wolf Spider vs Brown Recluse
1. Appearance
The brown recluse and wolf spider are two distinct species with unique physical characteristics that set them apart. One of the most notable differences between these two spiders is the number of eyes. The brown recluse has six eyes arranged in pairs on its head, while the wolf spider has eight eyes arranged in two rows.
Brown Recluse is light brown in color and often has a distinctive violin-shaped pattern on its cephalothorax. On the other hand, wolf spider comes in various earth-toned shades.
In terms of size, the brown recluse is usually between 0.24 to 0.79 inches long, while the length of a wolf spider ranges from 0.04 to 1.5 inches.
Another way to identify the brown recluse is by its posture. Unlike the wolf spider, which holds its legs splayed out, the brown recluse holds its legs in a crab-like position.
2. Habitat
Wolf spiders can be found in diverse habitats, including grasslands, coastal areas, mountains, human habitations, meadows, gardens, forests, and deserts. They are often found under rocks, logs, and debris or in burrows they have dug themselves. Wolf spiders are also known to enter homes in search of prey or to escape extreme weather conditions.
Whereas brown recluse spiders are found in warm, dry, and undisturbed environments such as basements, closets, and attics. They are commonly seen in the southern and central regions of the United States.
3. Diet
Wolf spiders hunt spiders and mainly feed on insects and small invertebrates. They are known for their predatory behavior and can catch their prey with strong and fast legs.
Brown recluse spiders also feed mainly on insects and other small arthropods. They are infamous for their hunting skills and can capture their target using venom.
4. Venom
The venom of wolf spiders is not considered dangerous to humans but can cause mild pain, swelling, itching, and allergic reaction. On the other hand, brown recluse spider venom is very poisonous but rarely causes significant damage due to the less quantity. But in rare cases, its bite can cause death due to systemic loxoscelism. However, you can experience some symptoms such as malaise, headache, myalgias, fever, chills, muscle aches, and nausea.
5. Behavior
Wolf spiders are active hunters, but they don’t build webs. Instead, they rely on their keen sense of sight and movement to capture prey. They are fast runners and can move quickly over a variety of surfaces. Some species of wolf spiders hunt during the day, while others are nocturnal, like the brown recluse.
On the other hand, brown recluse spiders are timid and reclusive creatures, spending most of their time in dark and quiet places. This spider species is not aggressive but will bite if they feel threatened.
6. Reproduction
Wolf spiders carry their egg sacs with them. After laying eggs, the female wolf spider will attach the sac to her spinnerets and carry it with her until the spiderlings hatch. Once they emerge, the spiderlings will climb onto the mother’s back and stay there for several days until they are ready to venture out independently.
Unlike wolf spiders, brown recluse spiders produce up to five egg sacs containing about 50 eggs each. The eggs hatch after about a month, and the spiderlings will stay with the mother for a few weeks before dispersing.
7. Lifespan
Male wolf spiders have a lifespan of one year or less, while females can live for several years. On the other hand, brown recluse spiders typically live for about two and a half years.
Wolf Spider vs. Brown Recluse: Conclusion
Both the wolf spider and the brown recluse spider are common in the United States. While they may look similar at first glance, there are several key differences between wolf spider vs. brown recluse. If you are bitten by a spider, it’s recommended to seek medical attention.
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