sand wolf spider
VU

sand wolf spider

Arctosa perita

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctosa_perita

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The sand wolf spider faces severe habitat degradation from coastal development and recreational activities that disturb its specialized sandy beach and dune environments. Climate change poses an additional threat through sea level rise and increased storm intensity, which can wash away the loose sand substrates essential for its burrowing behavior. Human trampling and vehicle traffic on beaches directly destroy burrows and compact the sand, making it unsuitable for the species' specialized lifestyle.

Threat summary

Habitat

The sand wolf spider inhabits coastal sandy beaches, dunes, and sandy riverbanks where it constructs burrows in loose, well-drained sand substrates. This species requires areas with minimal vegetation cover and specific sand grain sizes that allow for proper burrow construction and maintenance.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is sand wolf spider classified as Vulnerable?
sand wolf spider is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The sand wolf spider faces severe habitat degradation from coastal development and recreational activities that disturb its specialized sandy beach and dune environments. Climate change poses an additional threat through sea level rise and increased storm intensity, which can wash away the loose sand substrates essential for its burrowing behavior. Human trampling and vehicle traffic on beaches directly destroy burrows and compact the sand, making it unsuitable for the species' specialized lifestyle.
Where does sand wolf spider live?
sand wolf spider occurs in Albania, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, and Egypt (plus 25 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to sand wolf spider?
The main threats to sand wolf spider are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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