Nature: spider identification: woodlouse hunter

Self-tutoring about spiders one might encounter in the back yard: the tutor mentions the woodlouse hunter.

Woodlouse hunter’s scientific name is Dysdera crocata. It’s got a red chest and head with a pale brown abdomen. I saw one yesterday around 15mm long.

Apparently, they mainly eat what we call “wood bugs” out here, but are also called sow bugs or pill bugs (see my post here.) Since those are so abundant outside, I’d expect to see woodlouse hunters all the time; surprisingly, yesterday was my first sighting of one that I can recall.

I’ve been noticing a lot of dead hard-shelled bugs – including wood bugs – outside the back door, and wondering why. It was in that vicinity that I saw the woodlouse hunter – perhaps it’s responsible.

The woodlouse hunter was hiding under something I moved. Its size, and surprising coloration, caught my attention. It didn’t panic, but casually walked towards other cover.

Source:

bugguide.net

oceanexplorer.noaa.gov

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.