Leopard wolf spider
Arctosa leopardus
The leopard wolf spider is a medium-sized arachnid typically found in damp habitats such as riparian zones. It reaches a body length of approximately 6 to 9.5 mm and features a dark base coloration with characteristic light spots. This species does not build webs but instead actively hunts its prey on the ground near water bodies.
Details
Identification
Dark brown prosoma with light lateral bands; opisthosoma with paired light spots; legs often distinctly annulated.
Social behavior
Solitary; exhibits complex courtship behavior during the mating season.
Diet
Predatory lifestyle; feeds on small insects, springtails, and other invertebrates.
Hunting strategy
Active ground hunting by stalking and rapid lunging.
Spawning substrate
Egg sac is carried by the female attached to the spinnerets.
Overwintering
Overwinters as a subadult or adult in leaf litter or in burrows.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important predator in the food chain of wetland biotopes for regulating insect populations.
Natural predators
Birds, amphibians, larger predatory spiders, and ichneumon wasps.
Competitor species
Other wolf spider species such as Pirata species (pirate spiders).
Ecosystem service
Biological pest control in riparian areas.
Threats
Destruction of riparian habitats, drainage of wetlands, and pesticide use.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Characteristic spot pattern on the abdomen; distinctly annulated legs; smallest native species of the genus Arctosa in Central Europe. Reliable identification requires examination of genital structures (epigyne in females, pedipalpal bulb in males).
Habitat
Strongly hygrophilous species; inhabits open, moist to wet sites such as the shores of lakes and ponds, bogs, marshy meadows, and ditches. Often prefers muddy or mossy substrates.
Role in food web
Mesopredator; regulates populations of small insects in shoreline ecosystems and serves as an important food source for amphibians and specialized bird species.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Destruction of wetlands through drainage, shoreline stabilization (concreting/riprap), intensive grazing of riparian meadows, and the loss of natural dynamics in floodplain landscapes.
Population trend
Classified as 'Least Concern' overall in Germany (Red List 2016), but declining regionally due to habitat loss; specialized requirements make it sensitive to hydrological changes.