Summary
Fishing spiders have eight roughly equal eyes in two slightly curved rows and are nearly always found near water. Wolf spiders have two large 'headlight' eyes and three eye rows.
Diagnostic traits
| Trait | Wolf Spider | Wolf Spider |
|---|---|---|
| Eye rows | 3 rows (2-4-2), two huge eyes | 2 rows, all roughly equal |
| Habitat | Lawns, basements, gardens | Edges of streams, ponds, docks |
| Size | 10–35 mm body | 15–25 mm body, longer legs |
| Behavior | Sprints on dry ground | Sits on water surface, dives for prey |
The bottom line
At-a-glance comparison
| Wolf Spider | Wolf Spider | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific | Lycosidae (family overview) | Lycosidae (family overview) |
| Family | Lycosidae | Lycosidae |
| ♀ body | 10–35 mm | 10–35 mm |
| Leg span | 25–80 mm | 25–80 mm |
| Range | 1 U.S. states | 1 U.S. states |
| Medical | Low | Low |