The Woodlouse Spider Only Has 6 Eyes

Mack Hayden

17 January 2025 at 10:05 am·3-min read

Let's talk about the woodlouse spider, an arachnid with a unique hunting style and impressive jaws. Known scientifically as Dysdera crocata, this spider has a special knack for preying on woodlice, making it an unusually dominant predator in its ecosystem.

Found across North and South America, as well as parts of Europe and Asia, the woodlouse spider isn't your average house spider. With its distinctive appearance and powerful bite, it stands out among the many other Dysdera spiders.

How to Identify the Woodlouse Spider

The woodlouse spider is easy to recognize thanks to its reddish-brown body and large, shiny jaws. It has a distinctive look, with a bulbous yellowish-beige abdomen and six eyes arranged in a semicircle — a feature that sets it apart from most spiders, which typically have eight eyes.

Their relatively large fangs can pierce the tough exoskeletons of woodlice, its primary prey. These spiders are medium-sized, with bodies measuring about 1.1 to 1.5 cm (about 0.5 inches). Their bright coloration and powerful jaws are perfectly suited for their specialized diet.

Is the Woodlouse Spider Dangerous?

Despite its fierce appearance, the woodlouse spider is not among the top five other venomous spiders commonly feared in North and South America, such as the brown recluse or black widow.

While the woodlouse spider's powerful jaws can deliver a painful bite, its venom is mild and poses little risk to humans. Most spider bites from this species result in localized redness and swelling, similar to a bee sting.

Woodlouse spiders hunt woodlice and other small prey, so they are unlikely to bite unless handled or provoked. If they bite you, it's a good idea to clean the area and monitor it, but there's no need to worry about serious effects.

Where Is the Woodlouse Spider Commonly Found?

You can find these common spiders in nearly any dark, damp environment where their prey thrives.

They have a particular preference for areas with partially decayed wood, such as under logs, in leaf litter or near compost heaps. These habitats provide plenty of woodlice, which form the bulk of their diet.

In urban areas, woodlouse spiders often make their homes in basements, crawl spaces and plant pots. They're easiest to find in the eastern United States, where they occasionally venture indoors to seek shelter.

What Attracts and Deters Woodlouse Spiders?

Woodlouse spiders head to environments with abundant prey, such as woodlice and other small arthropods. Damp areas with partially decayed wood or compost heaps are ideal hunting grounds for these spiders. They also construct tent-like structures from silk, providing a secure hiding spot during the day.

To deter these spiders, reduce the moisture levels around your home and remove debris like wood piles or leaf litter. Sealing cracks and crevices can also prevent them from wandering indoors.

If you find one in your home, it's likely just passing through in search of prey. Safely relocate it outside, and you'll both be on your merry way.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

Original article: The Woodlouse Spider Only Has 6 Eyes