Hognosa Carolinensis (Carolina Wolf Spider) Care?

[Sluggo]

Hello!
I have been interested in spider keeping my whole life, and recently have become VERY interested in it after keeping a False Black Widow for several months before her untimely demise a few years back!

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this species and how to keep them? I grew up with them around as a kid and I'm very interested in getting my hands on a female, but I want to be prepared first!

(Also I'm not sure if I should do a seperate post in the classifieds, but does anyone know where to get these beauties?)

Thank you!

 

[ReignofInvertebrates]

As for care, they’re one of the largest U.S. true spiders so I recommend a big critter keeper for adult females. They’re not too picky about substrate but make sure there’s enough for burrowing and provide some other hides. I use a water bottle cap for a water dish, because they don’t drink from it all that often. This is also one of my favorite species, good luck!

As for where to get them, they are a very widespread spider in the U.S. so it’s possible you may be able to find them locally. If not, Bugs in Cyberspace and Ken the Bug Guy are probably the two go to places to get them. I occasionally have them, but not currently.

 

[Sluggo]

Thank you! I grew up in the woods digging around for bugs and I've only ever seen one in my lifetime, so while they are native, they are hard to come across! Boy oh boy are they pretty though! I have also since moved to a less 'woodland' location, so I'll def. look around for them online! Thank you Grasshopper!

Are there any other true spider species that you'd recommend to a beginner? I love how these guys look, but I also don't know a lot about what's out there!

 

[ReignofInvertebrates]

Thank you! I grew up in the woods digging around for bugs and I've only ever seen one in my lifetime, so while they are native, they are hard to come across! Boy oh boy are they pretty though! I have also since moved to a less 'woodland' location, so I'll def. look around for them online! Thank you Grasshopper!

Are there any other true spider species that you'd recommend to a beginner? I love how these guys look, but I also don't know a lot about what's out there!

I've kept just about everything that's out there so I can definitely tell you some other good beginners! Jumping spiders are great thanks to their docile nature and "cute" looks, but there aren't a lot of species that get very big aside from Phidippus regius.

Another good one is Kukulcania (Black Hole Spiders). This is another nice, slow-moving spider that produces light webs and are great if you want to actually handle your spider (I've held dozens of them and never had one even attempt to bite).

 

[Sluggo]

I've kept just about everything that's out there so I can definitely tell you some other good beginners! Jumping spiders are great thanks to their docile nature and "cute" looks, but there aren't a lot of species that get very big aside from Phidippus regius.

Another good one is Kukulcania (Black Hole Spiders). This is another nice, slow-moving spider that produces light webs and are great if you want to actually handle your spider (I've held dozens of them and never had one even attempt to bite).

Oh dang, Kukulcania's are beautiful and I love spiders that do a bit of webbing! I don't plan on handling my spiders as I am perfectly happy just having them around! These also seem to be a bit difficult to find online as well (I live in the Northeastern part of the US, so they aren't native it doesn't seem!) It seems that true spiders are hard to come by in terms of purchasing online!

The jumping spiders are also adorable although I'd be so worried I'd lose them! They were always my dad's favorite when I was a kid! If you'd recommend those, I'd also be interested in them! They are by far the cutest!

 

[RTTB]

Take a look at some of our native Dolomedes species.

 

[Sluggo]

Take a look at some of our native Dolomedes species.

We have these in my area for sure!! And these get big too! Although, do they require a semi-aquatic enclosure?

 

[RTTB]

I’ll differ to the true spider experts but I believe not all Dolomedes re necessarily found near water. A semi aquatic enclosure is easy o do though.

 

[Sluggo]

I’ll differ to the true spider experts but I believe not all Dolomedes re necessarily found near water. A semi aquatic enclosure is easy o do though.

They are certainly very cool! Maybe I will consider keeping one of these as well! As a kid I was always endeared (albeit, also scared) by them! I loved their diving abilities and always thought they were really neat!

 

[Mythdefied]

I'm currently looking to obtain the H. carolinensis myself. I'm going the route of extensive setup: 18" x 18" x 12" glass terrarium, day/night lighting, temp gage/hygrometer, peat/soil mix, multiple hides. I like to over prepare.

I'm planning on waiting until the season rolls over to summer here in the Midwest, then going outside and try hunting one up in the yard. According to a source I read, their size means a good chance of spotting them with a flashlight beam reflecting off their large, multiple eyes. I want a female, but I'd love a pair early in the season.

 

[Sluggo]

I'm currently looking to obtain the H. carolinensis myself. I'm going the route of extensive setup: 18" x 18" x 12" glass terrarium, day/night lighting, temp gage/hygrometer, peat/soil mix, multiple hides. I like to over prepare.

I'm planning on waiting until the season rolls over to summer here in the Midwest, then going outside and try hunting one up in the yard. According to a source I read, their size means a good chance of spotting them with a flashlight beam reflecting off their large, multiple eyes. I want a female, but I'd love a pair early in the season.

Good luck!!!