Woodlouse (Dysdera crocata)

Named after the prey it feeds on (woodlice), this species has its origin in the Mediterranean area. Belonging to the Dysderidae family, the woodlouse spider does not make webs as it relies on hunting.

Scientific Classification

• Family: Dysderidae
• Genus: Dysdera
• Scientific name: Dysdera crocata

 

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)

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.

Eggs

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

Spiderlings

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

Are Woodlouse Spiders Poisonous

The spider might bite with its strong and big jaw but it is not venomous to human. There could be an itching sensation that might last up to 1-2 hours.

Quick Facts

Also Known as	Pillbug hunter, slater spider, sowbug killer, sowbug hunter, woodlouse hunter
Distribution	New Zealand, Australia, certain regions of South andNorth America, and South Africa
Habitat	Bricks, rocks, underneath logs, and heap of leaves
Diet	Primarily woodlice, earwigs, millipedes, and silverfish
Lifespan	3-4 years
IUCN Conservation Status	Not listed

Did You Know

• The spider is considered as one of the 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.

Image Credit: I.guim.co.uk, 1.bp.blogspot.com, Thefridayspider.files.wordpress.com, Spiderid.com, Spiderhugger.com, Bugguide.net, C1.staticflickr.com, Arachne.org.au