Wolf spider growth and life span

[Jennifer Duncan]

I have a one year old T. Aspersa who hasn't molted since December. Does anyone have experience with growth rate or life span.

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[Denny Dee]

Hi Jennifer,

There are over a thousand species of wolf spiders. I have kept about a half dozen species over the years. Currently keeping Tigrosa helluo and Hogna Lenta. It is often hard to tell how old wolves are when they are aquired? So, I am not 100% certain of the number of molts during their lifespan. Mine have generally molted only once or twice during their lives. Wolves generally last one season although I have had one for nearly two years. Most sources claim that they live about 18 months. Too short so enjoy every moment!

 

[Jennifer Duncan]

Thanks so much. I raised her from hatching. Her momma was about an inch bigger than she is now. She molted quite often from May to December....but nothing since.

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[Denny Dee]

Looks like we will be learning from you! Keep us posted and we can learn more about the molt cycle since you raised her.

 

[Jennifer Duncan]

So my Wolfe must have had one more molt....he now has emboli on his palps....not a girl after all.....this would explain the smaller size

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[Denny Dee]

Happy to hear that the wolf is alive and well. Hope you have enjoyed the experience as much as I do with my true spiders.

 

[Entity]

hey @Denny Dee how bout some true spider pics and any other inverts! I would like to see ur collection. Just throwing out a request! :

 

[Denny Dee]

Hi Entity, Not much of a photographer. Also challenged with time these days. I did invest in a digital microscope to really take my spider pics to a whole new level! Alas, it sits still in the original box . But let me try to dig up some of my older photos to share....

 

[Denny Dee]

For some of the new comers, here is a pic of my primary enclosure display (I have two other walls full now as well ). The middle row on the shelf unit on the left is my funnel webs and six eyed sand spider. The top row in the middle are various species of Widows. The middle row on the right is a hodge podge including some wolves.....

 

[Denny Dee]

Here is a shot of my custom trap door enclosures:

 

[Denny Dee]

Desert Recluse (Loxosceles deserta):

 

[Denny Dee]

Brazilan Funnel Web (Ischnothele caudata) feeding:

 

[Denny Dee]

American Assassin Sand Spider (Homalonychus sp.):

 

[Denny Dee]

Golden Huntsman (Olios giganteus):

 

[kormath]

awesome collection! i sitll want a few trap doors did you make those enclosures?

 

[Denny Dee]

I ordered the actual round enclosures from a UK company called Bugzarre. Some really neat inexpensive enclosures besides the acrylics.

http://bugzarre.co.uk/HOUSING/Acrylic-Style-Housing

I then custom ordered acrylic rods and used expoxy to cement them into the center. My hope was that I would have full visibility into their burrows. Although the effect failed, I am still pleased with the end result. Probably could have gotten an even wider diameter rod but wanted the spiders to have some room.

 

[Kymura]

Very nice

 

[MassExodus]

Really nice looking setups Denny. I especially like the Olios giganteous, Im looking for a few right now. Probably have to wait until spring though.

 

[Denny Dee]

Thanks Mass. If you find some, let me know. Mine just passed but I will wait for Spring as well.

 

[Entity]

Really nice looking setups Denny. I especially like the Olios giganteous, Im looking for a few right now. Probably have to wait until spring though.

me too!!!!