Meet the Desert Two-toned Wolf Spider

Article | Updated 7 years ago

Image of a Desert Two-toned Wolf Spider
Desert Two-toned Wolf Spider
Volker Framenau / Phoenix Environmental Sciences

The Desert two-toned wolf spider, or Hoggicosa bicolor, is a terrestrial invertebrate of arid and semi-arid regions of WA, SA, and southern NT into areas of western QLD. 

Image of a Desert Two-toned Wolf Spider

Desert Two-toned Wolf Spider
Image copyright 
Volker Framenau / Phoenix Environmental Sciences

Appearance 

The appearance of this large arachnid varies from male to female, but general colours include reddish brown, greyish brown, dark grey and black. 

Habitat

The Desert two-toned wolf spider prefers an arid or semi-arid habitat of shrubland and grassland. It digs burrows, which may or may not have a trapdoor. 

Behaviour

The male Desert two-toned wolf spider is most active from late winter to late summer, and both genders are more active at night, when they leave their burrows to forage for food. 

Is it dangerous?

This carnivorous spider is not considered a danger to humans, and no bites have yet been recorded – don’t be the first!