Sowbug Killer Spider
Dysdera crocata
This record describes Dysdera crocata (species). Recorded family: Dysderidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
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Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Dysderidae
- Genus
- Dysdera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
They are usually to be found under stones and logs in warm places, often close to woodlice. They have been found in houses.
Seasonal Activity
Hunts at night without the use of a web.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Their diet is comprised exclusively of woodlice. This species has especially powerful jaws that can pierce into woodlice.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in much of Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Dysdera crocata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.
Ecological role of the group
Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.
Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Sowbug Killer Spider (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sowbug Killer Spider
How big is Sowbug Killer Spider?
9mm to 15mm (0.35" to 0.59")
Where is Sowbug Killer Spider found?
Habitat: They are usually to be found under stones and logs in warm places, often close to woodlice. They have been found in houses.
When is Sowbug Killer Spider active?
Sowbug Killer Spider: seasonal activity - Hunts at night without the use of a web..
What is the life cycle of a Sowbug Killer Spider?
Their diet is comprised exclusively of woodlice. This species has especially powerful jaws that can pierce into woodlice.