Woodlouse Hunter, Woodlouse Spider, Sowbug-Eating Spider, Slater-Eating Spider
Dysdera crocata
Dysderidae (Woodlouse Hunters), Order Araneae. Key family traits include having only six eyes and very large, forward-projecting chelicerae (fangs).
Physical Description
A striking, moderately sized spider with a smooth, hairless appearance. It features a bulbous, cream-to-grey colored abdomen and a distinctively dark, reddish-brown cephalothorax (head region). The most defining anatomical feature is the pair of disproportionately large, pincer-like chelicerae that extend forward.
Size Estimate
Body length usually ranges from 10–15 mm (0.4–0.6 inches). Leg span is typically around 25–40 mm. This specimen appears to be an adult.
Coloration & Markings
Bi-colored appearance: the cephalothorax and legs are a deep mahogany or rusty red. The abdomen is a pale, uniform tan, grey, or yellowish-buff with no distinct markings or patterns.
Web Type
This is a hunting spider that does not build webs for prey capture. It creates small, silken, oval-shaped retreats in dark, damp crevices to rest and molt during the day.
Eye Arrangement
Unusually, it has only six eyes (most spiders have eight). They are arranged in a tight semi-circle or oval cluster at the front of the cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
The legs are reddish-orange, relatively smooth with minimal visible hairs, and moderately robust. They are adapted for navigating tight spaces under logs and stones.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
The venom is not considered medically significant to humans. It is designed to immobilize small arthropods. A bite may cause localized pain, redness, and minor itching.
Medical Significance
Low danger level. The bite is often compared to a bee sting in terms of pain, primarily due to the physical size of the fangs. No specific medical treatment is usually required beyond cleaning the area.
Safety Recommendations
If found indoors, use the 'cup and paper' method to relocate it to a garden. To prevent entry, seal cracks in foundations and reduce moisture/mulch near doorsteps.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Commonly found in North America, Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia. It prefers damp environments like gardens, under logs, leaf litter, rocks, and basements where its primary prey (isopods) resides.
Behavior & Temperament
A nocturnal, active hunter. While it can appear intimidating due to its fangs, it is generally shy and will flee when disturbed. It only bites if handled roughly or compressed against skin.
Diet & Prey
Specialized feeder on woodlice (sowbugs/pillbugs). Its huge fangs are specifically evolved to pierce the hard, armored exoskeletons of these crustaceans.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round in warmer climates; in temperate zones, they are most visible from spring through autumn and may overwinter in basements.
Description
The Woodlouse Hunter is a specialized predator often found by gardeners. Its shiny, reddish head and pale abdomen make it easy to spot against soil. It serves as an excellent natural pest controller in backyard ecosystems.
Key Features
Huge forward-facing fangs, mahogany-red cephalothorax, pale unpatterned abdomen, and the presence of only six eyes.
Similar Species
Broad-faced Sac Spiders (Trachelas tranquillus) look similar but have eight eyes and smaller fangs. Some Ground Spiders (Gnaphosidae) share the coloring but lack the large pincer fangs.
Life Cycle
Females lay about 70 eggs inside a silken retreat. They exhibit some maternal care, staying with the eggs until they hatch. They can live for 2 to 3 years.
Ecological Importance
Critical for controlling populations of woodlice and other soil-dwelling invertebrates, helping maintain balance in garden and forest floor ecosystems.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but common and widespread with stable populations in urban and suburban areas.
Interesting Facts
Despite their frightening look, they are one of the few spiders with mouthparts powerful enough to penetrate the 'armor' of a pillbug. They were originally native to Europe but followed humans worldwide.
Photography Tips
Focus on the 'face' to capture the prominent fangs and the eye arrangement. Use a macro lens if possible and ensure the contrast between the red head and pale abdomen is clear.
Identified: 2026-06-15T01:32:54.707058