Tone Killick
Dysdera crocata, woodlouse hunter.
Dysdera translates from the Greek adjective for “hard to fight against” (which isn't a surprise with such impressive fangs). In Latin, crocata means “saffron-like (orange-coloured).” D. crocata occurs in maritime habitats and is often synanthropic, found in damp cellars and kitchens and under stones, logs and debris in damp gardens, churchyards and waste ground. Prey seems to be preferentially woodlice, but any other arthropods it can catch are fair game. The long fangs help the spider to maintain a scissor-like grip on woodlice, while typically using only one fang to pierce the prey’s softer underbelly.
Dysdera crocata, woodlouse hunter.
Dysdera translates from the Greek adjective for “hard to fight against” (which isn't a surprise with such impressive fangs). In Latin, crocata means “saffron-like (orange-coloured).” D. crocata occurs in maritime habitats and is often synanthropic, found in damp cellars and kitchens and under stones, logs and debris in damp gardens, churchyards and waste ground. Prey seems to be preferentially woodlice, but any other arthropods it can catch are fair game. The long fangs help the spider to maintain a scissor-like grip on woodlice, while typically using only one fang to pierce the prey’s softer underbelly.