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Dysdera crocata C. L. Koch, 1838

Woodlouse Spider

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Image of Dysdera crocata Woodlouse Spider

Photo Credit: Peter J. DeVries
Introduction:

Largely nocturnal, this species occasionally can be seen during the day. I have found them wandering on the lower levels of buildings and in the basements of homes. The large fangs of this species allow it to pierce the protective exoskeletons of pill bugs and other arthropods. While most other household spiders ignore pill bugs, this spider readily attacks them.



Adult Diagnosis:

This spider usually can be distinguished from others in Wisconsin by its smooth caramel colored body, contrasting cream abdomen, and large fangs.



0 Databased Observations of Dysdera crocata C. L. Koch, 1838 in Wisconsin

References
Harvard Entomology Bug of the Month - Woodlouse hunter
The World Spider Catalog, Version 9.0 American Museum of Natural History by Norman I. Platnick Edited by Peter Merrett, H. Don Cameron
Nearctic Spiders Database David Shorthouse
Spiders of North America: an identification manual Edited by Darrell Ubick, Pierre Paquin, Paula E. Cushing, and Vince Roth
The American Arachnological Society
The International Society of Arachnology
Arachnology Home Page

Resources for those interested in Wisconsin Insects
Questions about Wisconsin Insects? Insect Diagnostic Lab
School Groups Insect Ambassadors
UW-Madison Insect Research observation Steven Krauth Curator, Daniel K. Young Ph.D. Director

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Updated: Tue May 12 12:58:34 -0500 2009.