Woodlouse Hunter Spider

Scientific Name: Dysdera crocata

Order & Family: Araneae / Dysderidae

Size: 9 to 15 mm for females; males 7 to 10 mm

Woodlouse Hunter Spider

Natural Habitat

Under rocks, logs, and leaf litter; frequently found in basements or damp areas near woodlouse populations.

Diet & Feeding

Specializes in preying upon woodlice (sowbugs or pillbugs) using large chelicerae to pierce their armor.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal ground hunter that does not build webs for catching prey; instead, it utilizes silk for daytime retreats or egg sacs.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans; while they can bite if handled, the venom is not medically significant. Beneficially controls woodlouse populations.

Identified on: 5/23/2026