Garden Wolf Spider
Scientific Name: Tasmanicosa godeffroyi
Size: TL 35mm (females are larger than males)
What does it look like?
The Garden Wolf Spider is predominantly brown, with paler yellowish-brown to orange-brown and darker blackish lines and marks, with a characteristic radiating pattern in the carapace.
Where is it found?
Widespread throughout temperate Australia.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Garden Wolf Spider occurs in open areas within a variety of wooded and grassland habitats, including gardens, where it lives within a lidless burrow, the entrance of which is lined with silk, with a small raised rim of leaves, sticks and grasses. It is a nocturnal, terrestrial hunter, actively pursuing and preying on small to large insects and other spiders.
Interesting facts
Although non-aggressive towards humans, it is still capable of giving a painful bite that can become easily infected.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Insects of Australia
