Common Wolf Spider
Pardosa pullata
This record describes Pardosa pullata (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
This is a very dark coloured wolf spider. Confirmation of this species: Requires examination at high magnification in good lighting, typically examination of the genitalia. Bee, L., Oxford, G., & Smith, H. (2020). Britain's Spiders: A Field Guide. Second Edition. Princeton University Press. P. pullata occurs in various open habitats such as grasslands, woodland clearings, roadsides etc. Adults of both sexes occur mainly in early to mid-summer, occasionally persisting until the autumn. The species is frequent and widespread in most of Britain. 20412 British records for this species to 2015.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
P. pullata occurs in various open habitats such as grasslands, woodland clearings, roadsides etc.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of both sexes occur mainly in early to mid-summer, occasionally persisting until the autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is frequent and widespread in most of Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Pardosa pullata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.
Ecological role of the group
Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.
Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Common Wolf Spider (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Wolf Spider
What is Common Wolf Spider?
Common Wolf Spider (Pardosa pullata) is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Common Wolf Spider found?
Habitat: P. pullata occurs in various open habitats such as grasslands, woodland clearings, roadsides etc.
When is Common Wolf Spider active?
Common Wolf Spider: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes occur mainly in early to mid-summer, occasionally persisting until the autumn..