Spiders: Family Lycosidae
Common name: Wolf spiders. Most of the genera are terrestrial, free ranging, not having webs, although some construct burrows. Some species are even semi-aquatic. Mainly diurnal, some species being nocturnal. Fast moving and usually run down their prey. 28 Genera occurring in South Africa. Females can often be seen carrying a white round egg case which is attached to the spinnerets. When the eggs hatch, the young are carried on the mother's abdomen. 3-30mm in length. Lycosid families are easy to identify but are notoriously difficult to identify down to genus level often needing microscopic examination of the genitalia. Harmless to humans. Abundance: common. (Marita Beneke)
Common name: Wolf spiders. Most of the genera are terrestrial, free ranging, not having webs, although some construct burrows. Some species are even semi-aquatic. Mainly diurnal, some species being nocturnal. Fast moving and usually run down their prey. 28 Genera occurring in South Africa. Females can often be seen carrying a white round egg case which is attached to the spinnerets. When the eggs hatch, the young are carried on the mother's abdomen. 3-30mm in length. Lycosid families are easy to identify but are notoriously difficult to identify down to genus level often needing microscopic examination of the genitalia. Harmless to humans. Abundance: common. (Marita Beneke)
Hover on an image for the species name; click it to go to the more detailed species page.
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