Fauna
Arachnid

Spotted Wolf Spider

Pardosa amentata

Also known as Spotted Wolf-Spider

Spotted wolf spiders are agile ground-dwelling hunters that actively chase down flies, springtails, and other small invertebrates across damp soil and leaf litter. Females carry their white or grey egg sacs attached to their spinnerets and later transport newly hatched spiderlings on their backs until the young are ready to disperse. During sunny spring days, adults are frequently seen basking on open stones and garden paths to raise their body temperature before hunting.

Ground HunterArachnidDiurnal
Spotted Wolf Spider reference1 / 7
(c) Radu Teodoreanu, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Radu Teodoreanu · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFlies, Springtails, Small Beetles
Predators
  • Birds
  • Shrews
  • Spider Wasps
ThreatsHabitat loss, pesticide use, intensive agricultural practices
HabitatsDamp grasslands, gardens, stream banks, open woodlands, fields
Life span1–2 years
Classification
  1. OrderAraneae
  2. FamilyLycosidae
  3. GenusPardosa
  4. SpeciesPardosa amentata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Harmless to humans; safe to observe from a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Basking spots: Look on sunny garden paths, stones, and bare soil in spring to spot adults active during warm daylight.
  • Maternal behavior: Watch for females carrying round egg sacs attached to their spinnerets or carrying tiny spiderlings on their back.
  • Gentle observation: Avoid trying to catch these tiny spiders, as they move rapidly and can drop legs if stressed.
Related species
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