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Dysdera silvatica

Dysdera silvatica is a woodlouse hunter endemic to the Canary Islands.

Dysdera silvatica

Scientific Classification

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: Males: 0.9 – 1cm Females: 1.1 – 1.5 cm

Color: These spiders have a reddish-brown body with a creamy white abdomen.

Other Characteristic Features: They have powerful mouthparts to break the shells of woodlice.

Eggs

Females lay eggs inside silken cases made of webbings.

Spiderlings

They resemble miniature adults and leave soon after hatching.

The Web

These spiders do not spin webs to catch prey.

Is the Dysdera silvatica Venomous

Bites from these spiders are not fatal, as their venom is only helpful for paralyzing prey.

Quick Facts

Lifespan 1-2 years
Distribution Canary Islands
Habitat Shrubbery
Diet Woodlice

Did You Know

  • German arachnologist Günter E. W. Schmidt first described this spider in 1981.

Image Source: researchgate.net,

Dysdera silvatica is a woodlouse hunter endemic to the Canary Islands.

Dysdera silvatica

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: Males: 0.9 – 1cm Females: 1.1 – 1.5 cm

Color: These spiders have a reddish-brown body with a creamy white abdomen.

Other Characteristic Features: They have powerful mouthparts to break the shells of woodlice.

Eggs

Females lay eggs inside silken cases made of webbings.

Spiderlings

They resemble miniature adults and leave soon after hatching.

The Web

These spiders do not spin webs to catch prey.

Is the Dysdera silvatica Venomous

Bites from these spiders are not fatal, as their venom is only helpful for paralyzing prey.

Quick Facts

Lifespan 1-2 years
Distribution Canary Islands
Habitat Shrubbery
Diet Woodlice

Did You Know

  • German arachnologist Günter E. W. Schmidt first described this spider in 1981.

Image Source: researchgate.net,

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