Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2147379
Koch's Wolf Spider
Alopecosa kochiAlso known as Koch Wolf Spider
Koch's wolf spiders are active nocturnal hunters that sprint across leaf litter and open soil to ambush ground-dwelling insects rather than weaving webs. Females carry their silken egg sacs attached to their spinnerets and later transport dozens of newly hatched spiderlings on their abdomens. Their dark greyish-brown mottled body pattern provides effective camouflage against fallen leaves, bark, and rocky terrain across North American habitats.
Ground DwellerActive HunterNocturnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Crickets
- Beetles
- Ants
Predators
- Birds
- Small Mammals
- Spider Wasps
ThreatsPesticide application, habitat degradation
HabitatsDry forests, grasslands, shrublands, leaf litter
Life span1–2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAraneae
- FamilyLycosidae
- GenusAlopecosa
- SpeciesAlopecosa kochi
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Bites are rare and cause only mild localized discomfort; observe without handling.
Responsible observation
- Flashlight Spotting: Shine a headlamp at eye level across leaf litter at night to catch their eye shine.
- Gentle Observation: Maintain a respectful distance and avoid trapping the spider against surfaces.
- Pest Control Value: Allow them to inhabit garden areas where they naturally suppress pest insects.
Family Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Mirko Schoenitz · cc0
Family Relative (c) CK2AZ, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by CK2AZ · cc-by
Family Relative (c) Dan MacNeal, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dan MacNeal · cc-by
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