Photograph

Wolf Spider (Family Lycosidae)

Resting quietly on a leaf, the wolf spider carefully surveys its surroundings. High magnification reveals its eight eyes, long sensory hairs, and powerful chelicerae—an anatomy perfectly adapted for active hunting without relying on a web.

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Beyond the frame

The large eyes of wolf spiders not only provide excellent vision but also reflect light thanks to a specialised layer called the tapetum lucidum. This is why their eyes often shine when illuminated with a flashlight at night—a feature that helps biologists locate them in the field.

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