Wolf spiders, Lycosidea genera, are robust and agile spiders with body sizes ranging from less than 1mm to 35mm. They have eight eyes, with the four largest arranged in a square on top of head. They depend on their excellent eyesight to hunt. They also possess an acute sense of touch. Jaws often bear an orange spot on sides.

Flashing a beam of light over the spider will produce eye shine. The light from the flashlight has been reflected from the spider's eyes directly back toward its source, producing a ‘glow’ that is easily noticed. This is also especially helpful because the wolf spiders are nocturnal and will be out hunting for food, making it easier to find them.

Wolf spiders are unique in the way that they carry their eggs. The egg sac, a round silken globe, is attached to the spinnerets at the end of the abdomen, allowing the spider to carry her unborn young with her. The abdomen must be held in a raised position to keep the egg case from dragging on the ground, however despite this handicap they are still capable of hunting. Another aspect unique to wolf spiders is their method of infant care. Immediately after the spiderlings emerge from their protective silken case, they clamber up their mother's legs and crowd onto her abdomen.