Woodlouse spider, Dysdera crocata
Woodlouse spider, Dysdera crocata (submitted by NaturePlus user beelights)
This distinctive, hairless spider has a reddish cephalothorax (the front body part containing the eyes), with a contrasting cream or grey abdomen. The larger females grow to 15mm.
These spiders feed almost exclusively on woodlice and are found under logs or occasionally in houses in the vicinity of their prey. Their powerful jaws can produce a painful bite but the venom is not dangerous to humans.
These nocturnal hunters do not have a web but rest in a silken cell during the day. They are fairly common in the UK.
