Hobo Spider vs Wolf Spider: 5 Key Differences

There are enough spiders in the world to make you wonder what the differences are between a hobo spider vs wolf spider.

While both of these arachnids are found around the world and often in your own home, how can you learn about their behavior, what they look like, and whether or not they are dangerous?

In this article, we will address all of these differences between the hobo spider and the wolf spider. By the end, you should have a good idea regarding what makes these two different, and what makes them similar. Let’s get started!

Comparing Hobo Spider vs Wolf Spider

Key Differences Between Wolf Spider and Hobo Spider

There are a few key differences between a hobo spider vs wolf spider. A hobo spider is smaller than a wolf spider and has a less hairy body compared to the body of a wolf spider. These two spiders also use webs differently, and the wolf spider doesn’t need to construct webs at all! Finally, the threat these spiders pose to humans differ as well. 

Let’s discuss all of these differences in more detail now.

Hobo Spider vs Wolf Spider: Family and Scientific Classification

A primary difference between a hobo spider vs wolf spider is the spider families that they belong to. Hobo spiders belong to the Agelenidae family, while wolf spiders belong to the Lycosidae family. This is a key difference between them, as wolf spiders are the only members of their particular family. Lycosidae is a word derived from the ancient Greek word for wolf!

The hobo spider is a member of the funnel weaver spider family, like many other species. This family is much larger than the wolf spider family, as this classification includes some of the most common spiders on our planet.

Hobo Spider vs Wolf Spider: Physical Appearance and Size

Another difference between the hobo spider and the wolf spider is their physical appearance and size. Wolf spiders grow larger than hobo spiders, usually by at least half an inch. This makes them a bit more threatening and frightening when compared to hobo spiders, given how thick their legs and body are as well!

Hobo spiders have less hair present on their body when compared to wolf spiders. The hobo spider also has a single visible set of eyes, while wolf spiders have two. A wolf spider comes in a variety of colors, such as tan, brown, and orange, while the hobo spider is a muted brown with stripes or patterns on its abdomen.

Hobo Spider vs Wolf Spider: Behavior and Webs

The differences in behavior between a hobo spider vs wolf spider becomes clear almost immediately. While both of these spiders prefer to be left alone by humans, hobo spiders usually show much more aggression towards humankind given their poor eyesight, while wolf spiders hide. In fact, many wolf spiders coexist in households without humans knowing!

The wolf spider also never creates webs, while the hobo spider makes funnel shaped webs throughout its hunting grounds and environment. The hunting styles of these two spiders differ somewhat as well.

Hobo spiders use their webs to trip or otherwise confuse their prey so that they can ambush them, while wolf spiders hide in wait for their prey. They use their impressive eyesight to find and kill other insects, much like an actual wolf does.

Hobo Spider vs Wolf Spider: Poisonous or Not?

Another difference between a wolf spider and hobo spider is whether or not they are poisonous to humans. While both of these spiders have venom present in their bites, a hobo spider bite is far more dangerous than a wolf spider bite.

However, studies have disproved a hobo spider’s ability to cause necrosis, also known as skin death. This does not mean their bite isn’t dangerous.

A wolf spider bite causes swelling and itching, but it usually gets better in 24-48 hours. A hobo spider bite causes similar symptoms, but it can cause other unforeseen physical effects, such as twitching or large amounts of pain at the bite location. Hobo spider bites may also be more potent on children and pets, so it is always important to use caution around these spiders.

Hobo Spider vs Wolf Spider: Preferred Habitat and Geographic Location

A final difference between hobo spiders and wolf spiders is their preferred habitat and geographic location. Both of these spiders are found around the world, just about everywhere except Antarctica. However, wolf spiders live outdoors until the weather gets too cold for them to stand, while hobo spiders frequently find themselves in human dwellings or manmade structures. 

Hobo spiders also prefer more humidity when compared to wolf spiders, though this isn’t a hard and fast rule. However, some wolf spider species have even been found in the Sahara Desert and beyond, so it’s safe to say that wolf spiders aren’t afraid of a little heat!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Katarina Christenson/Shutterstock.com