Some spiders exhibit unique parental behavior by carrying their babies on their back after they hatch. This practice offers the young protection during their vulnerable early stages of life. The spiderlings cling tightly to the adult’s body as they develop strength and mobility.
This behavior is not common among all spiders, making it a distinctive trait. The adult often appears to have a moving mass on its back, which is actually a cluster of tiny spiderlings. They stay together for a short period before dispersing to live independently.
The mother typically guards her egg sac until the spiderlings emerge. Once hatched, the babies immediately climb onto her back. She continues to protect them by staying hidden and avoiding threats until they’re ready to survive on their own.
This maternal care increases the offspring’s chances of survival, especially in environments where predators and dangers are constant. Carrying them provides mobility and quick relocation if danger arises.
These spiders are often found in grassy areas, woodlands, and near bodies of water. Their behavior is not only a fascinating survival tactic but also a rare example of extended parental care in arachnids.
Such spiders demonstrate that even small creatures can show complex and nurturing behavior, challenging the common assumption that spiders are entirely solitary or unfeeling.
Spiders That Carry Their Babies On Their Back
Wolf Spider (Lycosidae)
Wolf spiders are the most well-known for this behavior. After the eggs hatch, the mother carries the spiderlings on her back until they’re ready to disperse. Found throughout North America, Europe, and other continents, they inhabit fields, forests, and even suburban gardens. Their large eyes, strong legs, and brown-gray coloration help them hunt without webs.
Nursery Web Spider (Pisauridae)
Closely related to wolf spiders, nursery web spiders also show maternal care. While they don’t carry spiderlings long-term, females sometimes hold their egg sac in their jaws and transport it until a protective nursery web is built. Found near wetlands, lakes, and grassy areas, these spiders can also be seen in temperate woodlands.
Fishing Spider (Dolomedes spp.)
Fishing spiders inhabit wetland environments across North America and are large, semi-aquatic hunters. The mother carries her egg sac under her body, and once the young hatch, she guards them inside a nursery web. Sometimes, spiderlings climb onto her for added protection before dispersing.
Raft Spider (Dolomedes fimbriatus)
This European species is similar to other fishing spiders and lives near ponds and marshes. Females carry their egg sacs in their chelicerae (mouthparts) and build a retreat for their young. Spiderlings may climb onto her body for protection after hatching.
Green Lynx Spider (Peucetia viridans)
Found in the southern U.S., Central America, and the Caribbean, the green lynx spider is notable for guarding her egg sac aggressively. While she doesn’t usually carry spiderlings on her back, the young often remain on or near her for some time, benefiting from her presence and protection.
Hogna Wolf Spider (Hogna spp.)
This genus of large wolf spiders, particularly Hogna carolinensis, often found in the U.S., demonstrates intense parental behavior. After hatching, the spiderlings cling tightly to their mother’s back, creating a moving mound of tiny spiders until they’re ready to scatter and hunt alone.
Rabid Wolf Spider (Rabidosa rabida)
Found in fields and wooded areas in the eastern U.S., the rabid wolf spider is another species that carries spiderlings on her back. Known for their speed and erratic movements, these spiders are attentive mothers who transport their young for days or weeks after hatching.
Pirate Wolf Spider (Pirata spp.)
These small wolf spiders prefer wet environments like marshes and stream banks. The female carries her spiderlings post-hatching until they’re strong enough to leave. Their coloration often mimics their surroundings, helping them evade predators during this vulnerable period.
Tigrosa Spider (Tigrosa spp.)
Tigrosa spiders, formerly grouped under Lycosa, are found in North America. They are large, ground-dwelling hunters. After carrying the egg sac, females provide continued care as spiderlings ride on their backs. They typically live in leaf litter, under stones, or in burrows.
Geolycosa Spider (Geolycosa spp.)
This burrow-dwelling wolf spider species is known for its maternal behavior. Found in sandy or grassy areas, these spiders live underground. After the eggs hatch, the spiderlings ride on their mother’s back until they are ready to emerge from the burrow and live independently.
Gladicosa Spider (Gladicosa gulosa)
Native to North America, this forest-dwelling wolf spider builds no web and relies on camouflage and speed. Like its relatives, the mother carries her spiderlings on her back, helping ensure their safety in dense ground cover.
Alopecosa Spider (Alopecosa spp.)
This genus includes various species of wolf spiders spread across Europe, Asia, and North America. Known for strong maternal instincts, the females transport spiderlings post-hatching on their backs. These spiders are often found in open fields and grasslands.
Trochosa Spider (Trochosa spp.)
These wolf spiders are typically smaller than other members of their family but exhibit the same behavior of carrying their young after hatching. They live in grasslands, forests, and even near water bodies across Europe and North America. Trochosa females are frequently seen moving with spiderlings clustered on their backs, providing them with mobility and defense.
Schizocosa Spider (Schizocosa spp.)
Found across North and Central America, Schizocosa species are ground-dwelling wolf spiders that also carry their young. These spiders often prefer dry, open habitats such as fields and forest edges. Females show extended parental care by guarding and transporting their spiderlings until they are ready to fend for themselves.
Arctosa Spider (Arctosa spp.)
Common in sandy environments, such as dunes and riverbanks, Arctosa spiders are solitary wolf spiders that display maternal care. After the eggs hatch, spiderlings ride on the mother’s back for a brief period. Their excellent camouflage helps both the mother and spiderlings avoid detection by predators.
Venatrix Spider (Venatrix spp.)
Native to parts of Australia and Southeast Asia, Venatrix spiders are lesser-known wolf spiders. Females are attentive caretakers, carrying their young after emergence. They live in grasslands, leaf litter, or under rocks and logs, where their behavior offers the spiderlings a better survival rate during their most vulnerable stages.