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Woodlouse (Dysdera crocata)

Guess what? There’s a spider called the woodlouse spider because it loves eating woodlice! It comes from places near the Mediterranean Sea. This cool spider doesn’t make webs; instead, it hunts for its food. We’ve got fun facts about it right here.

Scientific Classification

Woodlouse Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Females are typically 0.43-0.60 in (1.0-1.5 cm) and males are 0.35-0.40 in (0.8-1.0 cm)
Woodlouse Spider Size
  • Color: The cephalothorax and legs are dark red while the glossy abdomen is yellowish brown.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The spider has six eyes along with an exceptionally large chelicerae or jaw.
Female Woodlouse Spider

Eggs

An average of 70 eggs are laid in an egg cocoon that is made from a few silk strands.

Woodlouse Spider Egg

Photo Credit: Pitheadgear

Spiderlings

After the hatching, the young spiders remain dependent on their mothers until they attain maturity which comes after 1 to 1.5 years.

Woodlouse Spiderlings
Male Woodlouse Spider

Are Woodlouse Spiders Venomous?

 Yes, Woodlouse Spiders are venomous. They use their venom to catch their favorite food, woodlice.

Woodlouse Spider Fang

Can Woodlouse Spiders Bite?

Yes, Woodlouse Spiders can bite. While they usually focus on hunting for food, they might bite if they feel scared or cornered. But don’t worry too much; their bite isn’t too bad for most people.

Pillbug Hunter

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Woodlouse Spider

The woodlouse spider plays a vital role in controlling the population of woodlice and other small invertebrates, acting as a natural pest control agent. This not only helps in maintaining ecological balance but also aids in reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides, contributing to a healthier environment.

Natural Predators and Prey-Predator Dynamics: While the woodlouse spider is a predator in its own right, it is not without natural threats. Birds, larger spiders, and other predators prey on them, establishing a balanced prey-predator dynamic in their habitats. This balance is crucial for the stability of the ecosystem, ensuring that no single species dominates to the detriment of others.

Relationship with Humans: Generally, woodlouse spiders are beneficial to humans, as they help control the population of woodlice and other pests. They are not aggressive towards humans and only bite when provoked. Educating people about their role and importance can foster a harmonious coexistence and appreciation for these spiders.

Quick Facts

Also Known asPillbug hunter, slater spider, sowbug killer, sowbug hunter, woodlouse hunter
DistributionNew Zealand, Australia, certain regions of South and North America, and South Africa
HabitatBricks, rocks, underneath logs, and a heap of leaves
DietPrimarily woodlice, earwigs, millipedes, and silverfish
Lifespan3-4 years
IUCN Conservation StatusNot listed
Sowbug Killer
Woodlouse Spider Picture

Did You Know

  • The spider is considered one of the most effective natural pesticides because it kills woodlice and doesn’t eat leaves at all.
  • The female woodlouse spider feed and care for her offspring which is quite rare in spider families.
  • Both the male and female engage in an aggressive mating ritual.

In conclusion, the woodlouse spider is a remarkable species with fascinating hunting habits, a unique diet, and significant ecological importance.

Woodlouse Hunter

Guess what? There’s a spider called the woodlouse spider because it loves eating woodlice! It comes from places near the Mediterranean Sea. This cool spider doesn’t make webs; instead, it hunts for its food. We’ve got fun facts about it right here.

Woodlouse Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Females are typically 0.43-0.60 in (1.0-1.5 cm) and males are 0.35-0.40 in (0.8-1.0 cm)
Woodlouse Spider Size
  • Color: The cephalothorax and legs are dark red while the glossy abdomen is yellowish brown.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The spider has six eyes along with an exceptionally large chelicerae or jaw.
Female Woodlouse Spider

Eggs

An average of 70 eggs are laid in an egg cocoon that is made from a few silk strands.

Woodlouse Spider Egg

Photo Credit: Pitheadgear

Spiderlings

After the hatching, the young spiders remain dependent on their mothers until they attain maturity which comes after 1 to 1.5 years.

Woodlouse Spiderlings
Male Woodlouse Spider

Are Woodlouse Spiders Venomous?

 Yes, Woodlouse Spiders are venomous. They use their venom to catch their favorite food, woodlice.

Woodlouse Spider Fang

Can Woodlouse Spiders Bite?

Yes, Woodlouse Spiders can bite. While they usually focus on hunting for food, they might bite if they feel scared or cornered. But don’t worry too much; their bite isn’t too bad for most people.

Pillbug Hunter

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Woodlouse Spider

The woodlouse spider plays a vital role in controlling the population of woodlice and other small invertebrates, acting as a natural pest control agent. This not only helps in maintaining ecological balance but also aids in reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides, contributing to a healthier environment.

Natural Predators and Prey-Predator Dynamics: While the woodlouse spider is a predator in its own right, it is not without natural threats. Birds, larger spiders, and other predators prey on them, establishing a balanced prey-predator dynamic in their habitats. This balance is crucial for the stability of the ecosystem, ensuring that no single species dominates to the detriment of others.

Relationship with Humans: Generally, woodlouse spiders are beneficial to humans, as they help control the population of woodlice and other pests. They are not aggressive towards humans and only bite when provoked. Educating people about their role and importance can foster a harmonious coexistence and appreciation for these spiders.

Quick Facts

Also Known asPillbug hunter, slater spider, sowbug killer, sowbug hunter, woodlouse hunter
DistributionNew Zealand, Australia, certain regions of South and North America, and South Africa
HabitatBricks, rocks, underneath logs, and a heap of leaves
DietPrimarily woodlice, earwigs, millipedes, and silverfish
Lifespan3-4 years
IUCN Conservation StatusNot listed
Sowbug Killer
Woodlouse Spider Picture

Did You Know

  • The spider is considered one of the most effective natural pesticides because it kills woodlice and doesn’t eat leaves at all.
  • The female woodlouse spider feed and care for her offspring which is quite rare in spider families.
  • Both the male and female engage in an aggressive mating ritual.

In conclusion, the woodlouse spider is a remarkable species with fascinating hunting habits, a unique diet, and significant ecological importance.

Woodlouse Hunter