How do I identify a woodlouse spider?

This spider is easy to identify. It has a smooth, shiny appearance with a large, pinkish-grey abdomen and reddish head and legs. Its prominent jaws are its defining feature. Like most spiders, females are larger than males, reaching between 1.1-1.5cm in length.

What is the function of Pedipalp?

The pedipalps originate in the second segment and terminate in pincers. Pedipalps are used for a variety of purposes, including prey capture, defense, courtship, and burrow excavation. A pair of legs are found on each of segments three through six.

Are woodlouse spiders in Indiana?

Woodlouse Spiders in Illinois and Indiana The woodlouse spider, Dysdera crocata, is a nocturnal hunting spider commonly found in homes and gardens from New England to Georgia, the Midwest (Illinois and Indiana), and the Pacific Northwest. It is also commonly encountered in England, northern Europe, and Australia.

Are woodlouse spiders dangerous to humans?

Woodlouse hunters have a strong proclivity to bite, and they will not retreat from humans in response to disturbances, but they will not bite without provocation. This species’ venom is not dangerous to humans, but their large fangs make bites particularly painful.

How big does a woodlouse spider get to be?

Belonging to the Dysderidae family, the woodlouse spider does not make webs as it relies on hunting. Size: Females are typically 0.43-0.60 in (1.0-1.5 cm) and males are 0.35-0.40 in (0.8-1.0 cm) Color: The cephalothorax and legs are dark red while the glossy abdomen is yellowish brown.

How does the female woodlouse spider care for her offspring?

The female woodlouse spider feed and care for her offspring which is quite rare in spider families. Both the male and female engage in an aggressive mating ritual. Named after the prey it feeds on (woodlice), this species has its origin in the Mediterranean area.

What are the function of the pedipalps in spiders?

The pedipalps and legs are composed… …second pair of appendages, the pedipalps, are modified in the males of all adult spiders to carry sperm ( see below Reproduction and life cycle). In females and immature males, the leglike pedipalps are used to handle food and also function as sense organs.

How did the woodlouse spider get its name?

We may earn commissions from the links within this post. The Woodlouse Spider, or Dysdera crocata, is a unique spider that gets its name from the staple food of its diet — woodlice. It has other names, too, that all play off of the food that it eats.