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spider ID help - wolf spider? (San Diego, CA) #433732

Asked November 04, 2017, 6:56 PM EDT

Hi, I need help identifying a spider I have found in my house a few times now. I have definitely seen several false black widows, but these other ones I'm not sure about. I'm thinking a wolf spider? I live in San Diego, CA.

San Diego County California

Expert Response

Dear Client,

The key character used in spider identification is the arrangement of the eyes on top/front of the spider. The light shinning up from under the spider was a nice touch, but if that light had been shinning down on top of the spider, I would be far more confident in my diagnosis. I agree that your spider has the right features that it is probably one of many species of wolf spiders-- Lycosidae family. I base my diagnosis on the overall shape of the abdomen, leg orientation, "racing stripes" on the thorax and abdomen, striped legs, large pedipalps, and features of the carapace.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf_spider

https://bugguide.net/node/view/1967

I hope these resources and diagnosis to spider family is of some help. 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 27, 2017, 2:06 PM EST

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