Tigrosa aspersa: woodland giant wolfspider
📍Michigan, USA
#entomology #bugs #bugidentification #spidersoftheworld
🫶 I found this lady on my back porch, under a bag of soil in some rocks! She is commonly known as a Woodland Giant Wolfspider.
✨️ I know she is a female because she does NOT have thickened pedipalps - those are those bits on her head that are like extra little arms. they are used for transferring sperm from the males, so males have "boxing gloves" on the ends of theirs. she does not appear to from the angle in that last photo. her private bits must be under her body where I cannot see, meaning she's a female spider!
🕷 Woodland Giant Wolfspiders are venomous but bites are NOT medically significant. you'll at most have a sore spot, unless you are specifically sensitive to spider bites. Woodland Giant Wolfspiders are not particularly known for having nasty bites and are typically docile as long as you don't try to hurt or startle them. I even picked up this gal here to move her to a better spot and she handled that just fine! These babies can get bodies sizing up to an inch in length, which I'd say she's pretty close to.
🤷 Why should I care about spiders? Why can't I just kill them? many spiders are natural pest control, especially wolf spiders! they are not pests, not known to invade homes, and keep your gardens/yards low on pests by feasting on the bugs that do harm to your living space. AND most importantly, they are living creatures put here just like me and you. if you do your research you'll see that each and every spider (and bug) has it's purpose when they are in their proper place.
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The Woodland Giant Wolf Spider (Tigrosa aspersa) is a native spider of North America, especially common in wooded areas. These spiders are easily identified by their large size and distinctive coloration. Adult females can reach up to one inch in body length, and they are equipped with excellent camouflage, blending seamlessly with their natural habitat. Though they possess venom, their bites are generally harmless to humans, producing only minor symptoms unless the individual has specific sensitivities. Often mistaken pests, these spiders play a vital role in controlling insect populations, targeting pests like flies and other garden invaders. By preying on these insects, they contribute significantly to the health of garden ecosystems. Woodland Giant Wolf Spiders roam during the night, actively hunting for food. They are agile and swift, relying on their keen eyesight rather than spinning webs to catch prey. Their lifestyle as ground hunters makes them an integral part of the biodiversity within their ecosystem. It's important to educate others about the value of spiders and encourage coexistence rather than harm, as they help maintain balance in our gardens and yards. Embracing such creatures can enhance our appreciation for the natural world.