Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Woodlouse Spider

Woodlouse Spider

Dysdera crocata

A species of Dysdera, Also known as Pill bug Hunter, Woodlouse Hunter, Sowbug spider, Woodhouse spider, Stiletto Spider

The woodlouse Spider (Dysdera crocata) is a large, dominant predator that goes by several names that include night hunter, pillbug hunter, and sowbug killer. Even their mating ritual is aggressive, as both mates risk injury during the activity. They can bite humans if handled but are not known to cause many problems.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
Bite Humans
Does the Woodlouse Spider cause allergies?
Allergenic
General Info About Woodlouse Spider
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Woodlouse Spider
Colors
Brown
Red
Habitat
under log, rock, brick, plant pot and in leaf litter in warm place, often close to woodlice
Adult Food Sources
Woodlice, isopods, insects, millipedes, other arthropods
Larva Food Source
Small invertebrates, isopod juveniles, tiny arthropods, springtails, juvenile spiders
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Woodlouse Spider typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Woodlouse Spider
It originated in the Mediterranean area, now has a cosmopolitan distribution, ranging from Eurasia to parts of North and South America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Woodlouse Spider
Mediterranean area, from Eurasia to parts of North and South America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand
Rectangle
Appearance of Woodlouse Spider
Female specimens are 1.09 - 1.5 cm long, while males are 9 - 10 mm. They have six eyes, a dark-red cephalothorax and legs, and a shiny (sometimes very shiny) yellow-brown abdomen. Notably, they have disproportionately large chelicerae for a spider of this size.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Woodlouse Spider?

Rectangle
Adult Size of Woodlouse Spider
9 - 15 mm
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Woodlouse Spider
Woodlouse Spider possess six eyes instead of the usual eight found in most spiders, giving it a distinctive visual system.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Woodlouse Spider
Tips for Finding Woodlouse Spider
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Woodlouse Spider
Rotting and Decaying Matter, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Woodlouse Spider
Rotting and Decaying Matter, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Woodlouse Spider
Considering woodlouse Spider is primarily an insectivore, traps baited with insects such as small crickets or mealworms might be effective.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Woodlouse Spider
The suitable time to find woodlouse Spider is typically at night, as they are nocturnal hunters that emerge from their hiding spots to prey on insects.
Are Woodlouse Spider harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free

The woodlouse Spider has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.

Rectangle

Are Woodlouse Spider harmful to humans?

Though the woodlouse Spider is rarely hostile towards humans, it will bite when it is threatened. The bites are nearly harmless, with the only reported symptoms being temporary pain, swelling, and redness. All these symptoms disappear within a few hours or days.
The woodlouse Spider lives near the ground and loves damp, dark areas such as under rocks, logs, and rubbish. To avoid getting bit by this spider, be cautious when near areas or using handling items that create dark, sheltered, damp areas.
Harmful Effects of Woodlouse Spider
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Icon toxic for
Toxic to Animals
Icon toxic for
Bite Humans
Icon toxic for
Allergenic
Rectangle
Toxic to Animals

Woodlouse Spider typically delivers its mild toxin through a bite, utilizing fangs to penetrate the skin of its targets. While it may cause discomfort in humans, dogs, cats, and small mammals, the reactions are diverse. Humans might experience localized pain and swelling, whereas smaller animals might show more severe symptoms due to their size. However, due to the low toxicity, serious complications are rare and the discomfort is usually temporary, subsiding without significant medical intervention.

Rectangle
Bite Humans

Woodlouse Spider rarely bites humans; such instances occur primarily in self-defense. When they do bite, the method involves a quick nip with their fangs, leading to mild discomfort rather than serious medical issues. These bites typically don't necessitate medical attention.

Rectangle
Does the Woodlouse Spider cause allergies?

Woodlouse Spider has the potential to cause mild allergic reactions in a small number of people, typically through biting. Allergies are most likely to occur from adult woodlouse Spider and can involve allergens present in their saliva or venom. Common symptoms range from local discomfort to mild systemic reactions. Risks are low but individuals with known sensitivities should exercise caution around woodlouse Spider.

More Effects of Woodlouse Spider

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow