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: PLEASE HELP!

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

Some people who are worried about spiders such as black widows have regular visits by exterminators. The woodlouse spider isn't as dangerous, but if you are that concerned, that's what you could do.

The woodlice are attracted to the rotting wood in the bathroom, so getting rid of them requires kind of a big carpentry job.

Re: PLEASE HELP!

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry you're so scared! I don't know what else to say. I work at an animal facility with several people who are arachnophobes, and all I can do about it is not show them spiders when I find them.

I'm sure you've heard it before, but spiders are the good guys. They're the ones eating the disease causing insects. But I know having them around freaks you out. The fact that you have a cat is a big point in your favor--cats love killing bugs, and very rarely get in trouble for it (a coworker's cat had a carpenter ant attached to its lip, but it wasn't hurt, just surprised).

Spiders in a home are a symptom of insects in a home. All homes will have some insects and spiders, but if the levels of them are intolerable or dangerous, then you need to contact your landlord to have something done about it. 90% of pest control is exclusion work--patching up little holes and replacing rotten wood, and sanitation. If you deprive the insects of sources of food, then the spiders will not have anything to eat. This means being meticulously clean, especially in the kitchen--keeping no dirty dishes around, keeping open food packages in the fridge or freezer, etc etc.

But it will be winter soon--you will have more insects and spiders getting into your apartment for a few weeks, then when the cold sets in, it will be pretty quiet until the spring.

It's cool that you've friended me, but be warned, I post pictures of spiders and insects ALL THE TIME. I'm not trying to scare any one, it's just a major interest of mine that my lj friends have gotten used to.

Good luck! Simple (and natural) living includes tolerating insects; I hope you can confront your anxiety and live the life you want!