Community identification
Woodlouse Spider
Dysdera crocata
- Order & Family
- Araneae; Dysderidae
- Size
- Body length is typically 9–15 mm (0.35–0.59 in) for females; males are slightly smaller.
Natural Habitat
Typically found under logs, rocks, leaf litter, and in gardens or damp basements where their prey is abundant.
Diet & Feeding
Specializes in eating woodlice (sowbugs/pillbugs), using their large chelicerae to pierce the prey's tough exoskeleton.
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal hunters that do not spin webs for catching prey. They spend the day in silk retreats under debris and emerge at night to hunt.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits the ecosystem by controlling pillbug populations. They are not aggressive towards humans but can deliver a painful bite if handled; the venom is not medically significant for humans.