I realize that a lot of folks don't like spiders ...

April 27, 2020

I realize that a lot of folks don't like spiders, especially enormous spiders presented in close-up photos that highlight every fuzzy leg and beady eye. But like them or not, spiders are fascinating creatures and are well worth examining!

According to VMNH Associate Curator of Invertebrate Zoology Dr. Kal Ivanov, this is likely a female Tigrosa georgicola, which is a commonly encountered wolf spider here in Virginia. Wolf spiders are some of the largest spiders you can find in the Commonwealth, rivalled only by Dolomedes tenebrosus, the dark fishing spider, and Argiope aurantia, the black and yellow garden spider. This particular wolf spider was certainly one of the largest I've ever seen.

Wolf spiders are generally nocturnal predators. The scurry over the leaf litter in the woods at night searching for prey, and they hide during the day (I found this one under a rotten log). If you ever want to spot some wolf spiders at night, it's actually pretty easy; just grab a flashlight, hold it at eye-level, and shine it across your yard. Spider eyes reflect the light, so if you see any little green pinpricks of light in your yard, you've found yourself a wolf spider.

If you do spot a wolf spider, it's best to just quietly observe while it hunts for delicious bugs. Wolf spiders just want to be left alone, and if they're manhandled, there's always a chance of getting bitten. While the bite can be painful, it won't cause any significant problems. #BenInNature

About this post: Social distancing can be difficult, but the next few weeks present a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. While he is working from home, Administrator of Science Ben Williams is venturing outdoors each day to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world.

This post brought to you by VMNH Corporate Supporter Carter Bank & Trust.