Fauna
Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2139331

Woodlouse Spider

Dysdera crocata

Also 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
Woodlouse Spider reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Meghan Cassidy, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Meghan Cassidy · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
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
Classification
  1. OrderAraneae
  2. FamilyDysderidae
  3. GenusDysdera
  4. SpeciesDysdera crocata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskVery high
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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