Woodlouse spider
Dysdera crocata
The Great Assel Hunter ( Dysdera crocata ) is a True Spiders of the family of six eyes spinning. As with all spiders of the family in the eyes Dysdera crocata are densely arranged almost circular at the front. The opisthosoma has no dark spots.
Appearance
The body length is 11-15 mm in the female and the smaller male 9-10 mm, with the very large chelicerae are not measured. The prosoma is dark red in this spider and the opisthosoma is greyish or yellowish. The chelicerae are longer than the front half of the body and thus strikingly large. Dysdera crocata is Dysdera erythrina very similar. The two species differ eg in size, with Dysdera crocata can be larger and has longer chelicerae. Furthermore, the spider also Harpactea rubicunda looks similar. In contrast to this the Cheliceren are larger and the upper part of Cheliceren is directed slightly forward.
Distribution and habitat
Dysdera crocata is thermophilic and can often be found in buildings, damp cellars and greenhouses. It is widespread in Central Europe, but rare. In the Mediterranean it is, however, frequently.
Way of life
The nocturnal spider hides during the day in a tight weave bag, usually under stones. It feeds mainly on isopods, which are shunned by other spiders. Since the chelicerae are greatly prolonged, it can wrap around the back plates of the isopod and so attach their poison bite. Furthermore, it captures other spiders.
Bites
If the spider is touched and feels threatened, it can also bite people with their long fangs. The bite can be painful, but the venom is harmless to humans and causes no health problems. In some cases it has been reported by a local itching.