Pirate Wolf Spider
Pirata piraticus
This record describes Pirata piraticus (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Females can be up to 9 mm long, whilst males are about 6 mm. The colour pattern of this spider is quite distinctive with a red-chestnut abdomen with a central mustard coloured cardiac mark and white sides to both the abdomen and carapace. Pirata hygrophilus is very similar and found in similar habitats. Microscopic examination of the genitalia is necessary to be sure. 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. It is usually associated with marshy places and near to water where it hunts along the banks and on the water's surface thanks to water repellent hairs on its legs. This wolf spider doesn't build a web for catching prey but instead hunts by chasing down small creatures. Courting males have to signal their intentions to the females from afar by employing a form of semaphore. Without this signalling behaviour, the female would probably attack them. The female carries the egg case with her as a furry ball under her abdomen.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is usually associated with marshy places and near to water where it hunts along the banks and on the water's surface thanks to water repellent hairs on its legs.
Seasonal Activity
Peak April to June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This wolf spider doesn't build a web for catching prey but instead hunts by chasing down small creatures. Courting males have to signal their intentions to the females from afar by employing a form of semaphore. Without this signalling behaviour, the female would probably attack them. The female carries the egg case with her as a furry ball under her abdomen.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Pirata piraticus. 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 Pirate Wolf Spider (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pirate Wolf Spider
What is Pirate Wolf Spider?
Pirate Wolf Spider (Pirata piraticus) is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Pirate Wolf Spider found?
Habitat: It is usually associated with marshy places and near to water where it hunts along the banks and on the water's surface thanks to water repellent hairs on its legs.
When is Pirate Wolf Spider active?
Pirate Wolf Spider: seasonal activity - Peak April to June..
What is the life cycle of a Pirate Wolf Spider?
This wolf spider doesn't build a web for catching prey but instead hunts by chasing down small creatures. Courting males have to signal their intentions to the females from afar by employing a form of semaphore. Without this signalling behaviour, the female would probably attack them. The female carries the egg case with her as a furry ball under her abdomen.