description European Tarantula Wolf Spider (Lycosa tarantula) Overview
Lycosa tarantula is a large wolf spider in the family Lycosidae native to southern Europe, particularly the Mediterranean region. It is a ground-dwelling, nocturnal hunter that lives in silk-lined burrows and does not spin a capture web. The spider is historically associated with the phenomenon of tarantism, a condition once attributed to its bite in the area around Taranto, Italy, and linked to the tarantella dance. The common name tarantula originated from this species before being applied more broadly to theraphosid spiders.
help European Tarantula Wolf Spider (Lycosa tarantula) FAQ
Is Lycosa tarantula a true tarantula?
No, Lycosa tarantula is a wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, not a mygalomorph tarantula. The common name comes from its historical association with the Italian town of Taranto.
Where does the European tarantula wolf spider live?
It is native to southern Europe and Mediterranean habitats. The spider is a ground hunter that spends much of its time in a silk-lined burrow rather than in a capture web.
Does Lycosa tarantula spin a web to catch prey?
It does not build an aerial capture web like an orb-weaver. Instead, it leaves its burrow at night and actively hunts insects and other small animals on the ground.
Is a bite from Lycosa tarantula dangerous?
A bite can be painful, but the species is not generally considered medically dangerous to healthy people. The old belief that its bite caused fatal tarantism helped create the English word tarantula.
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