Wolf spiders are hairy with brown, black, tan and yellow bands on their legs. Larger spiky black hairs protrude from various points along the body. They move quickly over the ground and usually hunt in grass or mulch for ground-dwelling insects. They do not hang from webs but rather make a soft cushion-like web under rocks or logs where they rest. Sometimes they can be seen walking on water. Wolf spiders are considered a benefit to gardens because they help control insect populations.
Wolf spiders have superior eyesight to most other spiders and they use it to their advantage in ambushing fast moving prey on the ground. They have eight eyes arranged with four small eyes in a straight line above which is a pair of larger eyes followed by a second pair of eyes on the top of the head.
Wolf spiders have been know to bite humans when handled. Their venom is not lethal but is painful. Medical attention should be sought if bitten by a wolf spider.
Wolf spiders have the unusual behavior of carrying their young around on their backs. Female wolf spiders can be seen in the summer traveling with dozens of spiderlings piled onto the top of their abdomens. The young stay with the mother for an entire year until they reach full maturity. If the mother is threatened the young will scatter and separate so it is best to not interfere with a wolf spider and its young who help keep away pestilential insects.