Species Insects & ArthropodsWoodlouse Spider

Woodlouse Spider

Dysdera crocata

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Woodlouse Spider (Dysdera crocata)

The Woodlouse Spider is a medium-sized, distinctively colored spider with a bright red-orange cephalothorax, gray abdomen, and massive, oversize chelicerae adapted for piercing the tough cuticle of pill bugs (woodlice), which are its primary prey. Introduced from Europe, it is now common under logs, stones, and garden debris across much of North America. Despite alarming looking jaws, its bite is mild.

Habitat
Under rocks, logs, bark, and in damp garden areas
Diet
Adults: pill bugs and other isopods
How common
Common

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