🕷️ Miami Wolf Spider Care Guide
Introduction
The Miami Wolf Spider (Tigrosa annexa, formerly Hogna annexa) is a robust, ground-dwelling true spider native to the southeastern United States. Known for its impressive hunting ability, alert posture, and strong legs, this species is a captivating addition for those interested in observing active, predatory spider behavior up close.
Unlike web-builders, wolf spiders rely on their keen eyesight and agility to chase down prey — making them one of the most exciting spiders to watch in captivity. The Miami Wolf Spider is both bold and beautiful, featuring warm brown tones, striking leg markings, and a confident stance that commands attention.
🌎 Natural Habitat
In the wild, Tigrosa annexa inhabits grasslands, forest floors, leaf litter, and sandy areas throughout Florida and neighboring regions. These spiders are nocturnal hunters, spending their days in burrows or under natural cover and emerging at dusk to patrol for prey.
Their environment is typically warm, dry to moderately humid, with soft soil for burrowing and scattered debris for shelter — conditions that should be mimicked in captivity for their comfort and natural behavior.
🏡 Enclosure Setup
Wolf spiders are terrestrial, so horizontal space is far more important than height. They require a setup that allows digging, hiding, and exploring.
Recommended enclosure size:
- Juveniles: 15 × 15 × 10 cm (6 × 6 × 4 in)
- Adults: 25 × 20 × 15 cm (10 × 8 × 6 in)
Setup essentials:
- Substrate: 5–7 cm (2–3 in) of compacted coco fibre, topsoil, or a sand/soil mix for burrowing.
- Hides: Cork bark, stones, or leaf litter for shelter.
- Decor: Natural items such as moss, bark, or small logs for enrichment.
- Water: A small shallow dish refreshed frequently.
- Lighting: Ambient room light is sufficient; no special lighting required.
- Ventilation: Provide moderate ventilation to prevent excessive moisture buildup.
The enclosure should replicate a dry, earthy environment with some hiding places and open space for roaming.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
- Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Humidity: 60–70 %
- Misting: Lightly mist one corner of the enclosure once or twice weekly; avoid making the substrate soggy.
A warm, lightly humid environment works best. These spiders tolerate slight temperature variations but thrive with stability.
🍴 Feeding
Miami Wolf Spiders are voracious hunters that readily take live prey. Watching them stalk and pounce is one of the highlights of keeping this species.
Feed a varied diet of:
- Small crickets
- Roaches
- Mealworms or waxworms (occasional treat)
Feed 2–3 times weekly, offering appropriately sized prey (no larger than the spider’s abdomen). Juveniles can eat more frequently as they grow.
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours, especially before molting, to prevent stress or injury.
⚖️ Growth & Molting
Wolf spiders grow steadily, molting every few weeks as juveniles and less frequently as adults.
Signs of an upcoming molt include:
- Loss of appetite
- Dull coloration
- Reduced activity
Maintain slightly higher humidity during this period and avoid disturbing the spider until several days after the molt.
⚠️ Temperament & Handling
The Miami Wolf Spider is alert and defensive but not aggressive. It will typically flee before showing threat behavior. While bites are rare and not medically significant, handling is not recommended — these spiders are fast and can jump unexpectedly.
Instead, enjoy observing their natural hunting instincts and fascinating parental behaviors (females often carry egg sacs or spiderlings on their backs — a truly remarkable sight).
🧬 Lifespan & Size
- Body length: Females up to 25 mm (1 in); males smaller
- Leg span: 50–65 mm (2–2.5 in)
- Lifespan: Females up to 2–3 years; males typically shorter-lived
Healthy individuals thrive for several years with consistent care and good feeding routines.
🌿 Breeding Notes
Wolf spider breeding can be rewarding for experienced keepers. Females produce silken egg sacs carried on their spinnerets, and once spiderlings hatch, they ride on their mother’s back until dispersal — an iconic behavior in the Lycosidae family.
Ensure females are well-fed before introducing a male and provide deep substrate for nesting after mating.
✅ Key Care Summary
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tigrosa annexa |
| Common Name | Miami Wolf Spider |
| Origin | Southeastern USA (Florida) |
| Category | Terrestrial / Burrowing |
| Adult Size | Up to 25 mm body |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) |
| Humidity | 60–70 % |
| Temperament | Shy but bold when hunting |
| Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Handling | Not recommended |
🔗 Related Guides
- True Spider Care Guide
- Jumping Spider Care Guide
- Golden Silk Orb-Weaver Care Guide
- Walnut Orb-Weaver Care Guide
🎥 For More Arachnid Related Content
Please see our YouTube Channel — The Tarantula Vault — for care videos, feeding clips, and behind-the-scenes spider footage.
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