365 Urban Species. #098: Woodlouse Spider

[urbpan]

Urban species #098: Woodlouse spider Dysdera crocata

While handling this spider trying (unsuccessfully) to get a better photograph, I became unnerved when I noticed its fangs. Usually on a spider this size (maybe 3/4 or an inch, or a little less than 2 cm) the fangs are inconspicuous, tucked away underneath. The woodlouse spider has long, obvious fangs, presumably strong and sharp for piercing the shell of their crustacean prey. Most spiders' fangs are not strong enough to bite through human skin, but some are, and this individual looked capable. But it showed no inclination to bite, instead clambering in a panic to remove itself from the light.

Research after the fact indicates that it indeed could have bitten me, but it wouldn't have injured me seriously. Or to use some delicious technical language: "D. crocata bites have been implicated in causing a localized, intensely pruritic rash with coalescing dermal papules 4-5 mm in diameter.  The bites apparently do not result in any systemic neurotoxicity or cytotoxicity." (http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/Spider/spiders.htm)

The woodlouse spider, unsurprisingly, is found anywhere woodlice are. Under logs and stones and other debris near buildings is where you will most likely encounter one. They were apparently introduced to North America and Australia, along with their favored prey, from Europe. It's possible that no introduced woodlice are considered invasive because their predator comes along with them when they travel.

Comments

Re: i hate these!!!

[(Anonymous)]

as a kid i conducted spider and insect wars of almost every sort, pitting them against one another. far and away, these were the nastiest spiders.

although i've seen a few internet posts to the contrary, we always found these spiders to be extremely aggressive, and quite creepy. the fangs are gigantic.

Ah HAH!

[(Anonymous)]

I saw not one but two of these today in different rooms of a condo I was renovating. One in the bathroom was dead, probably drowned when we pulled the camode up, and another I saw going across the floor in the next room over. I'd never seen them before so I had to check out what they were. It was non-aggressive whatsoever (and believe me, I gave it enough reason to be aggressive..) and went about its way after knocking its noggin with a small cardboard box lightly (empty shower head package :) ) and poking it repeatedly in its hind area to guage a reaction. This was in the city of St. Louis in the state of Missouri, central USA. Had to see how it behaved and what it was so we can get rid of em :) No infestations on my watch!