I was setting up a camera trap in the Chequemagon national forest when I happened upon this very very large spider. It was obviously calling the tree I was looking to use home. I took several images and went looking elsewhere.
It was huge, easily the largest spider I've ever come across at this northern latitude, for instance, its sac, was about the size of a half dollar! Overall, its size was equal to that of my hand, including fingers!
I have no experience with such critters, though it is IMO not a wolf spider, those do not venture into trees. Any ideas, or a concrete identification would be appreciated. I put it here in hunting as it appeared to me the best possible place for the topic.
It was huge, easily the largest spider I've ever come across at this northern latitude, for instance, its sac, was about the size of a half dollar! Overall, its size was equal to that of my hand, including fingers!
I have no experience with such critters, though it is IMO not a wolf spider, those do not venture into trees. Any ideas, or a concrete identification would be appreciated. I put it here in hunting as it appeared to me the best possible place for the topic.