Insect identifier · Spiders and scorpions
How to identify a Carolina wolf spider
Hogna carolinensis
· Also called wolf spider, hogna, hunting spider, wolf spider bite, large brown spider in house
Large hairy hunting spiders in garages get called recluses. Wolf spiders have eye shine, no web, and a bite that is typically a painful welt — not recluse necrosis. True recluse range is south-central.
Eye shine on the garage floor, hairy, fast, mother carrying babies. Continent-wide. Not a recluse. Bite is a painful pinch if trapped in a shoe. Photograph it. Self-diagnosing necrotic recluse bites outside south-central states is how people miss infections.
What does a carolina wolf spider look like?
Robust camouflage brown, fast on the ground, mother may carry spiderlings on her abdomen.
Carolina wolf spider (Hogna carolinensis) is Large; body 2–3 cm, impressive leg span. Colors people notice: brown, gray, tan. Field marks: Robust, hairy, camouflage brown; Eye shine at night — they hunt, no web; Mother may carry spiderlings on her abdomen; Fast on the ground. It is found both. If those marks are missing, open Brown recluse, Yellow sac spider before you force this name. Search phrases that belong on this page include what a carolina wolf spider looks like and carolina wolf spider identification.
Identification marks
- Robust, hairy, camouflage brown
- Eye shine at night — they hunt, no web
- Mother may carry spiderlings on her abdomen
- Fast on the ground
Size: Large; body 2–3 cm, impressive leg span
Colors: brown, gray, tan
Where: both
What a typical carolina wolf spider bite looks like
If pressed, a painful pinch and a red welt. Wash, ice. Photograph the spider.
People searching “carolina wolf spider bite identification” want the pattern, not a single anonymous bump. If pressed, a painful pinch and a red welt. Not recluse-like necrosis in typical cases. Swelling and itch for a day or two. Immediate steps on this page: Wash, ice, soothe; Seek care if redness spreads or you feel unwell; Photograph the spider — many “recluse bites” are wolf spiders or infections. This species does bite or sting people. Fever, spreading redness, trouble breathing, or a child with many stings is professional care.
If you were bitten
- Wash, ice, soothe
- Seek care if redness spreads or you feel unwell
- Photograph the spider — many “recluse bites” are wolf spiders or infections
Carolina wolf spider vs Brown recluse
Eye shine, ground hunter, mother carrying babies. Not a recluse. Bite is a painful pinch if trapped in a shoe. Range is continent-wide; recluse range is not.
- Brown recluse identification (Loxosceles reclusa)
- Yellow sac spider identification (Cheiracanthium inclusum)
Range and season
Wolf spiders throughout North America. Wander indoors in fall.
Garages, woodpiles, and houses in fall wanderings, all of North America.
Wolf spiders as a group occur throughout North America. This large species is widespread in the U.S.
Warm months; wander indoors in fall
Common questions
Did a wolf spider give me a necrotic bite?
Unlikely. Wolf spider bites are typically local pain and redness. True recluse range is south-central U.S.
Are they aggressive?
No. Bites happen when trapped against skin.
Why is it in my house?
Hunting spiders wander in looking for insects, especially in autumn.
Do wolf spiders bite?
If trapped, a painful pinch and a red welt. They are not looking for people.
Wolf spider vs brown recluse?
Wolf: hairy, robust, hunts, eye shine. Recluse: tan, violin, hides, south-central U.S.