Distribution Records
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Vetting Levels |
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Adult phenology:
High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
Piedmont (Pd)
Coastal Plain (CP)
Click on graph to enlarge
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| synonym | |
| taxonomic_comments |
Dysdera crocata Koch, 1838 is one of 578 species of dysderid spiders at this writing (Jan 2021) but the only one in the USA. |
| species_comment |
This species (and family) is well known for preying on the Oniscidea, or "woodlice," "sowbugs," "pillbugs," "Roly-polys," etc.). |
| id_comments |
A light- to dark-red cephalothorax with prominently protruding chelicerae bearing seriously substantial fangs make this six-eyed spider easy to ID. The abdomen is a soft grey or buff color having no distinct markings. Only one other spider of similar coloration and size comes to mind that might be confused with D. crocata, viz. Trachelas tranquillus, but T. tranquillus not only has 8 eyes, but lacks D. crocata's remarkable chelicerae and fangs. |
| total_length |
females 11-15mm, males 9-10mm |
| structural_features |
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| prey |
Oniscidea |
| predators |
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| behavior |
These spiders approach their prey slowly and then, twisting their bodies, grab the victim with one fang underneath and one on top. The lower fang pieces the soft underbelly, while the top fang holds the prey in place. They do not macerate their prey, but suck it dry, leaving the empty carcass behind.
They are commonly found in duff or under wood or rocks where sowbugs might be found. |
| distribution_reference |
Most dysderid spiders are found in Europe and Asia, but this species has established worldwide, and is now found throughout the Nearctic. |
| technical_reference |
Ubick, D., Paquin, P., Cushing, P.E., and Roth, V., (eds). 2017. Spiders of North America: an identification manual, 2nd Edition. American Arachnological Society, Keene, New Hampshire, USA. |
| adult_id | 1 identifiable by photo 2 identifiable by photo of specific features and/or supplementary info 3 identifiable from specimen only |
| abundance |
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| distribution_comments |
Widely distributed in North America |
checklist_mt_high
>=4,000 ft. | |
checklist_mt_low
<4,000 ft. | |
checklist_pd
Piedmont | |
checklist_cp
Coastal Plain | |
| habitat |
Under rocks, logs, in duff |
| observation_methods |
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| NHP_status |
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Photo Gallery for Dysdera crocata Woodlouse Hunter |
 | Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn
McDowell Co.
Comment: |  | Recorded by: Donald Zepp
Johnston Co.
Comment: Berlese sample of fallen bamboo leaves near and under outdoor storage box. |
 | Recorded by: Donald Zepp
Johnston Co.
Comment: Berlese sample of fallen bamboo leaves near and under outdoor storage box. |  | Recorded by: Vin Stanton
Buncombe Co.
Comment: found inside a well pump cover, looks like a large rock |
 | Recorded by: Ken Kneidel
Mecklenburg Co.
Comment: stuck in Tanglefoot on a tree band on oak |  | Recorded by: Ken Kneidel
Mecklenburg Co.
Comment: stuck in Tanglefoot on a tree band on oak |
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