Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2139331
Woodlouse Spider
Dysdera crocataAlso known as Woodlouse Hunter, Sowbug Hunter, Sowbug Killer, Pillbug Hunter
Woodlouse spiders stalk the dark underbelly of leaf litter and damp rotting wood, actively hunting night after night without weaving a capture web. Their remarkably elongated, forward-pointing chelicerae allow them to easily pierce the tough armor of pillbugs and sowbugs. During the day, they rest inside silky tubular retreats tucked away under stones, fallen logs, or basement floorboards.
NocturnalArachnidProwling Hunter
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Woodlice
- Pillbugs
- Sowbugs
Predators
- Toads
- Birds
- Centipedes
ThreatsPesticide application and habitat destruction
HabitatsWoodlands, gardens, leaf litter, under stones, and damp basements
Life span2–3 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAraneae
- FamilyDysderidae
- GenusDysdera
- SpeciesDysdera crocata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Possesses oversized fangs that can deliver a painful bite if handled; observe without touching.
- Why it is dangerous
- Large chelicerae can easily puncture human skin, causing localized swelling, itchiness, and mild pain similar to a bee sting.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by a reddish-brown front body, smooth pale oval abdomen, six tightly clustered eyes, and long forward-projecting fangs.
- What to do
- Do not handle with bare hands; allow the spider to move undisturbed or relocate it using a container.
Responsible observation
- Night Spotting: Search with a flashlight around damp garden timber or stone piles after dusk.
- Gentle Relocation: Trap wandering indoor individuals beneath a glass and slide paper underneath to move them outside.
Primary Prey (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Frequent Co-occupant (c) Mick Talbot, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Competitor (c) Michael, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.