Found HUGE Spider--What Is It?

[gh0001356]

My wife was moving the trashcan out by the curb and this guy came darting out at her...
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa304/gh0001356/004-3.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa304/gh0001356/005-2.jpg
She thought it was a tarantula due to the size. I told her it wasn't. I'm not well versed on spiders (other than T's) so I have no idea what species this is. The leg span is a solid 3" and the overall color is gray and black with an orange-ish chelicera. Underneath the legs are gray with black bands.

Any idea what kind of spider this is?

[GideonSmith08]

It looks like a Carolina Wolf Spider (Hogna carolinensis) or some other kind of wolf spider.

[gh0001356]

I thought it might be some type of wolf spider, but I've never seen one this big (or angry).

[ScottySalticid]

Definitely Hogna. As for the species I can't tell ya.

[bhoeschcod]

looks like a huntsmen.

[crpy]

Its a Male Missouri wolf spider (Geolycosa missouriensis) nice find.

[ScottySalticid]

Its a Male Missouri wolf spider (Geolycosa missouriensis) nice find.

What the heck!?!?! This is why I need a book, you see a spider and think you can classify it into a certain genus, but then nature throws like billions of curveballs to make their taxonomy even moreso confusing.

[crpy]

What the heck!?!?! This is why I need a book, you see a spider and think you can classify it into a certain genus, but then nature throws like billions of curveballs to make their taxonomy even moreso confusing.

Do you disagree with me?. its cool if you do. I'm not saying that my word is GOD's word lol, thats what this forum is for, opinions. However, eh hem, I strongly think I'm right on this one Lordy boy:D


Peace, crpy boy

[lycosidae]

Hmmm.. 90% sure its H. carolinensis. You're right on the mature male part, however... I have had many as pets.

H. carolinensis can be distinguished physically by the zebra striping under its legs, orange-reddish coloration on its jaws, and dark black undersides. Its overall coloration is grey/brown, almost mousy. Abdominal pattern is variable. Legspan would be in H. carolinensis range, which as an adult is anywhere between 2.5 and 4 inches in legspan (its smaller the further north you go). G. missourensis is somewhat similar to H. carolinensis in terms of overall coloration, but this is pretty clearly an H. carolinensis based on the other above descriptors.

Of course, the best way to make any identification is to send the species to a qualified expert (whomever they are). H. carolinensis has many regional variations in size/abdominal coloration that can be confusing for the average hobbyist. I've had spiders from Florida, Missouri, Texas, Arizona, and Maryland and all had their own "flavor", though the identifiers described above remain virtually the same. I'm pretty sure this is also true of G. missourensis, which isn't as common as a species (at least in terms of the amount of physical descriptions available and photographs).

[saxman146]

I was sitting in my chair a few months ago watching TV and my finace started screaming. She said get up get up! So I did and had no clue what was going on. It was one of those spiders. Well, I guess I know what it is or should I say was now.

[cjm1991]

I want one lol. From pics I have been looking at it looks just like a H. carolinensis. But who can be certain :rolleyes:

[gh0001356]

I searched around for a burrow and couldn't find one, which led me to believe it to be a "wandering" male. I released him back in the general area I caught him in much to the dislike of my wife who wanted me to drive it to the park and release it there.

[crpy]

Hmmm.. 90% sure its H. carolinensis. You're right on the mature male part, however... I have had many as pets.

H. carolinensis can be distinguished physically by the zebra striping under its legs, orange-reddish coloration on its jaws, and dark black undersides. Its overall coloration is grey/brown, almost mousy. Abdominal pattern is variable. Legspan would be in H. carolinensis range, which as an adult is anywhere between 2.5 and 4 inches in legspan (its smaller the further north you go). G. missourensis is somewhat similar to H. carolinensis in terms of overall coloration, but this is pretty clearly an H. carolinensis based on the other above descriptors.

Of course, the best way to make any identification is to send the species to a qualified expert (whomever they are). H. carolinensis has many regional variations in size/abdominal coloration that can be confusing for the average hobbyist. I've had spiders from Florida, Missouri, Texas, Arizona, and Maryland and all had their own "flavor", though the identifiers described above remain virtually the same. I'm pretty sure this is also true of G. missourensis, which isn't as common as a species (at least in terms of the amount of physical descriptions available and photographs).

I'm still holding to missuriensis, like you, I've had allot of wolfs while living in Tex and Fl. At this time I have H. carolinensis, H. lenta and H. georgicola. None look like this, but like you also said there are regional differences. :) But the cool thing is, its a cool lookin wolf:D

[cjm1991]

I agree im jealous and want one now :wall: Crpy knows alot more than me about these so I would trust his judgement. ;)

[crpy]

Thanks cjm1991, I could be wrong though, I can be humble:)

[cjm1991]

I have a great deal of respect for everyone on here, even ones with stupid and obvious questions, but even more so for the people who make this site a learning experience everyday I log on. Sorry to steal your thread for a sec but it appears you pretty much have your answer; does anyone have any H. carolinensis for sale at sub adult/adult size?

[ScottySalticid]

Do you disagree with me?. its cool if you do. I'm not saying that my word is GOD's word lol, thats what this forum is for, opinions. However, eh hem, I strongly think I'm right on this one Lordy boy:D


Peace, crpy boy

i'm a spider noob. i'm assuming you're not lol and i am aware that Geolycosa looks alot like Hogna

[crpy]

i'm a spider noob. i'm assuming you're not lol and i am aware that Geolycosa looks alot like Hogna

lol, Although the spiders ominous black mask has me alittle puzzled:?

[ScottySalticid]

lol, Although the spiders ominous black mask has me alittle puzzled:?

you don't even boher responding to my PM? you just want to tell me that you're puzzled about the wolfie's mask!?!?! :mad: lol

[crpy]

you don't even boher responding to my PM? you just want to tell me that you're puzzled about the wolfie's mask!?!?! :mad: lol

I am a ssssslllloooowww typer damit lol

[ScottySalticid]

I am a ssssslllloooowww typer damit lol

lol you know i'm just messing.

[-Exotic,]

Lmao come on guys leave the old timer alone (crpy) hes a really good guy once you get to know him and i agree with crpys answer.

[crpy]

Lmao come on guys leave the old timer alone (crpy) hes a really good guy once you get to know him and i agree with crpys answer.

See that Lord, Exotic likes me and he likes Iron Maiden, cant go wrong there, "flight of Icarus" oh yeah

[-Exotic,]

Ah yes flight of icarus such a great master peice by iron maiden from the album peice of mind relesed in 1983 good choice crpy

[ScottySalticid]

See that Lord, Exotic likes me and he likes Iron Maiden, cant go wrong there, "flight of Icarus" oh yeah

Iron Maiden is great.

RUN TO THE HIIIIIIIIIILLS...

[jeff h]

Its a Male Missouri wolf spider (Geolycosa missouriensis) nice find.

Adult male Geolycosa spp. look nothing like the spider above, which is a male H. carolinensis (most likely an adult, possibly subadult) as noted.

[crpy]

Adult male Geolycosa spp. look nothing like the spider above, which is a male H. carolinensis (most likely an adult, possibly subadult) as noted.

WOW, NOTHING like it, whew , HOLY MOLY I was WAY off, wow thanks Jeff h, I must be more senile than I thought , huh, oh well *cranks up the Iron Maiden*