Check out images of wolf spiders and you'll probably see yours. However, it would be extremely helpful to know the size of this spider and the geographical location of your home.

FYI, the spinneret is a small but complex organ, located at the back of the abdomen. You are referring to the pedipalps.

Good for you for not killing the spider but going to the effort of releasing it outside. That's a good life lesson for your daughter. So many people, fearful of spiders, are more likely to smash them.

I would never knowingly kill any spider! They are too valuable! While driving down a dark street in Dallas one night my family and I drove right into the middle of what I'm calling a tarantula migration! There were thousands of Texas Brown tarantulas crossing the street. I caught one (on a stick) for my daughter and son and let them see how beautiful it was. Then we carefully proceeded as to not crunch any of them. I always try to show my kids the value of nature. This is the only known planet we can live on at this point. We have to live in harmony with all of its inhabitants.

Anyway, on many grass spiders their spinnerets are a little longer than others. That was what I meant. :o) I live in Central Texas and this lil spider was probably slightly larger than a half dollar. But, wolf spider of some sort is probably right. My Google was failing me last night because it would only show them listed as Brown Recluse look alikes. It would not give any names other that to say this is a common spider that is NOT a brown recluse. It was making me crazy! Lol

Thanks for your input and your kindness to our creatures!

Promise me you won't freak out, OK?

That's probably a "Rabid Wolf Spider" ... Rabidosa species

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabidosa_rabida

Fast and can bite hard, but usually prefers to run away. And does not carry rabies.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rabidosa species

Hehe I won't freak out, but my hubby might! LOL I think it was definitely a rabid wolf! Didn't get bit, but glad I got it out of my daughter's room!