Wolf Spider Behavior
Studies have shown that male and female wolf spiders are far more likely to intermingle in the wild than in captivity. Furthermore, young female specimens commonly mate with older males. A male wolf spider utilizes the base of its palp to create courtship sounds. This palp also contains sensory hairs that help the male recognize female pheromones.
Further studies on wolf spiders reveal that males are sometimes killed and consumed by females following mating. However, female wolf spiders prefer to mate with and are less likely to kill familiar male wolf spiders.
Wolf spiders exhibit unique parental care behaviors. Unlike other species, female wolf spiders carry their egg sacs on their spinnerets. When eggs hatch, the immature spiders remain with the female for approximately one month before dispersing through a process known as ballooning.