
Community identification
Woodlouse Hunter Spider
Dysdera crocata
- Order & Family
- Araneae: Dysderidae
- Size
- 10-15 mm (body length excluding legs)
Natural Habitat
Under rocks, logs, and leaf litter, often near human dwellings where woodlice are present.
Diet & Feeding
Strictly carnivorous, primarily feeding on woodlice (sowbugs or pillbugs) using large chelicerae.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal hunters that do not spin webs to catch prey; they use silk only for egg sacs and molting retreats.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits the ecosystem by controlling crustacean populations; bites are rare and typically involve localized pain and itching but no serious toxins.