Hobo Spider Vs Wolf Spider: 5 Differences & Similarities

There are many spider species in our world, and according to studies, the number reaches over 45,000.

It’s evident that the little arachnids living in some of our houses do not represent all spiders.

Amongst these species, we have the hobo spider and wolf spider. With the high number of species, it is hard to tell the difference between them.

Therefore, we’d need to know more about the hobo spider vs wolf spider before tracing any similarities and differences.

This article aims at satisfying our curiosities about the similarities and differences between the hobo spider and wolf spider. 

Hobo Spider vs Wolf Spider: Comparison

Hobo Spider Overview

The hobo spider is a member of the family Agelenidae, and the family is termed the funnel weavers or the funnel-web spiders.

The name results from their webs which are shaped like funnels. The hobo spider can be found around humans and lives in Europe, Central Asia, and North America.

Hobo spiders lay eggs during September, and mating is fatal for the male hobo spider.

There has been a lot of debate over the hobo spider’s bite, but the consensus is that this specie isn’t dangerous. 

Wolf Spider Overview

The wolf spider belongs to the family Lycosidae, and unlike many other spiders, the wolf spider doesn’t spin webs.

It is still a formidable hunter, even without webs, as it pursues and pounces on prey before eating it. It can also adopt the waiting method of other spiders, only without webs.

Wolf spiders may not be deadly, but if provoked, they can bite. Their bites are venomous, and the effect includes swelling and rashes.

There have also been debates surrounding how dangerous the wolf spider is, but it isn’t as dangerous as was once thought.

Hobo Spider vs Wolf Spider: Differences and Similarities

Habitat and location

Both spiders can be found in different countries and on all continents except Antarctica, but there’s a difference in the specific areas they live.

Hobo spiders weave their webs around human dwellings, and you’re more likely to see a hobo spider at your house than a wolf spider. The latter stays in holes outdoors. 

Wolf spiders are also more widespread in North America, while the hobo spider is common in the pacific northwest. 

Appearance and size

In appearance, both spiders are similar. The common color of these spiders is brown-yellow, and because color varies amongst spiders, it is hard to tell a hobo spider from a wolf spider judging by the color.

The hobo spider and wolf spider are also shaped alike with their long legs and proportions, and they both have hairs. 

That said, there are some differences in appearance. The hobo spider has longer legs, while the wolf spider has hairs on the body.

The patterns on their bodies are also not the same. The hobo spider often has solid colors with chevron patterns, while the wolf spider comes with stripes. 

In size, wolf spiders are bigger than hobo spiders. The size difference isn’t too obvious, but it is enough to make the wolf spider seem more intimidating. 

The final difference in their appearance is their eyes. The hobo spider has just one set of eyes, while the wolf spider has two.

Wolf spiders have stronger eyesight than the hobo spider but are color blind. 

Behavior

As hobo spiders stay more around humans than wolf spiders, one would expect the latter to be aggressive. However, wolf spiders are more docile.

The hobo spider has poorer eyesight and as such, tends to react fast if it perceives a threat— an example is if you touch it.

The wolf spider would rather hide. Because of their docile nature, some wolf spiders can stay around humans and go unnoticed. 

Another difference is on the subject of webs. Spiderman has us believing that all spiders can weave webs, but some species don’t.

The wolf spider is an example of such. It hunts like other predators would by chasing prey or laying an ambush.

Hobo spiders weave webs, and that is their biggest arsenal. It lives on the web and uses it as a trap to hold down prey.

When the prey unwittingly walks (or flies) into the webbed trap, the hobo spider paralyzes it with venom. 

They do have one similarity in their behavior, and that is their “need for speed.”

Both spiders crawl fast, the wolf spider naturally so—hence the name. Hobo spiders move fast because of their poor eyesight. 

How poisonous are they?

Both spiders got venom that is not considered fatal, but in comparison, the hobo spider’s bite has more effect.

As we mentioned, it is also more aggressive. While the idea that the hobo spider’s bite causes necrosis has been refuted, you still need to be careful around it. 

If a wolf spider bites you, the symptoms will only persist for 1 or 2 days, and these symptoms are limited to itching or mild swelling.

The hobo spider’s bite lasts longer, shows more symptoms (twitching and pain), and can be a bigger problem when a child or a pet gets bit.

Family and scientific classification 

Another difference between the wolf vs hobo spider is in the family.

The hobo spider belongs to the Agelenidae or funnels weaver family. In contrast, the wolf spider belongs to the Lycosidae, which is derived from the Ancient Greek lùkos, which stands for the wolf.

The wolf spider is the only member of its family (a lone wolf, it is), while the hobo spider has a lot of relatives.

Also See:
Brown Recluse Vs Wolf Spider: 7 Differences & Similarities

Final Thoughts 

There are both similarities and differences between these two spiders. 

The wolf spider seems a lot scarier than the hobo spider based on its name, size, and hairiness, but looks are deceiving.

The hobo spider requires more caution, but in general, both don’t set out to harm any human and would prefer being on their own.

Featured Image Credit: EdwardSnow, TaurusGuy / Getty Images Signature