does anyone know about how long the virginia wolf spider lives?

Answer 1

WOLF SPIDERS

Life span: up to 3+ years, depending on species.

Most Kentucky spiders do not thrive in captivity. Many of our spider species build large webs, and most kinds of containers do not allow these types of spiders to build webs of the proper shape and size. Wolf spiders, though, do not build webs. Instead, they are active hunters that search the ground for prey. Because of this, wolf spiders do not need special housing. Wolf spiders are also easy to find, easy to feed, and can live for several years in captivity. In fact, because of their life-span and ease-of-care, wolf spiders make some of the best captive arthropods.

Note: Although wolf spiders are not aggressive, they are able to bite people, and should not be handled. Their bites are normally not dangerous, but can threaten allergic individuals.

Container: A wolf spider needs only a few square inches of space. A small (1 pint) mason jar or similar container is large enough for most wolf spiders. A 2.5 gallon aquarium would also make a very attractive home for a large wolf spider. Make sure to have an escape-proof lid that provides some ventilation. Be aware that wolf spiders are very fast: whenever their cage is opened, they will try to escape. Be ready for an escape by opening a wolf spider cage within another, larger container.

Housing Features: Line a wolf-spider habitat with an inch or so of moist garden soil that is free of pesticides and fertilizers. Also add a few large, dried leaves, chunks of bark, of pieces of moss for the spider to hide under during the day.

Food: Wolf spiders will feed on almost any living insect or worm that is about 1/2 their own body length. Houseflies, small moths, and caterpillars are usually easy to find outdoors. "Pinhead" crickets, as sold in most pet stores, make especially good prey. One small prey item every other day is sufficient for most wolf spiders. Large species may eat up to one small prey item per day. Make sure not to feed the wolf spider wasps, bees, other spiders, or anything else that might injure the spider. Never leave live prey in with the spider if the prey isn't attacked within a few minutes -- even a small cricket can potentially injure a wolf spider if the spider doesn't attack first.

Water: Wolf spiders will get most of the water that they need from their prey, but will benefit from a daily cage misting. Although it is good for their habitat to be humid, do not allow it to be sopping wet.

Temperature: room temperature or warmer, up to about 80 degrees F.

Species: Wolf spiders are in the family Lycosidae. This family contains dozens of species that live in Kentucky. Some of these spiders are very small, less than 1/4." It is difficult to find small prey items for these wolf spiders. Large (1/2 - 1") wolf spiders are the best to observe and fair the best in captivity. Please note that Nursery Web and Fishing Spiders, although very similar to wolf spiders, are not recommended to keep in captivity.

For more about the biology and identification of wolf spiders (and where to find them!) visit our Critter File: Wolf Spiders.

Answer 2

Virginia Wolf Spider

Answer 3

Wolf Spider Virginia

Answer 4

I dunno...who's afraid of it?