Dysdera crocata

Woodlouse Spider

The Woodlouse Spider is a nocturnal spider. During the day it hides in a spider sack under stones or rotting wood.

Woodlouse Spider

Scientific name

Dysdera crocata

Dysdera crocata

Common names

Woodlouse Spider, Dysderid Spider, Woodlouse Hunter, Sowbug Killer and others.

Dysdera crocata

Family

Dysderidae

Dysdera crocata

Origin

Asia, Europe, North Africa and as naturalized species also in some parts of Australia, New Zealand and North America.

Dysdera crocata

Habitats

Woods, parks, gardens, the spider shown here hibernated in a planter in my garden shed.

Dysdera crocata

Size

Males can reach 9 to 11 and females 11 to 15 millimeters in length.

Dysdera crocata

Life span

Up to 4 years

Dysdera crocata

Food

Woodlice, insects

Categories: Arachnids