Protect your home or business from Woodlouse Spider by learning techniques for identification and control. Dysdera crocataWoodlouse hunter9–15 mmTawny orange to dark-redPale beige to yellow-brown abdomen
The red spider with a big bum refers to a fascinating species known as the woodlouse spider. This strange-looking arachnid gets its common name from its large, bulbous abdomen which gives it a comical appearance.
What is a Woodlouse Spider?
The woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata) belongs to the Dysderidae family of spiders. Native to Europe it has spread to many parts of North America, Australia and New Zealand likely by accidental transportation. As the name suggests, it specializes in preying on woodlice.
This nocturnal hunter uses its large fangs to capture and kill armored bugs like pillbugs and sowbugs. During the day, it takes refuge in silken retreats under rocks, leaf litter, and debris.
Recognizing the Woodlouse Spider
The woodlouse spider has several standout features that make it easy to identify:
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Large red abdomen – The plump oval-shaped abdomen is reddish-orange to dark red, much wider than the small dark brown cephalothorax (head region).
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Prominent fangs – The front appendages that house the venom glands and fangs are quite long.
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Orange-red legs – Its slender legs have an orangey-red hue with some darker banding.
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Six eyes – There are three sets of eyes with the middle pair being the biggest.
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No webs – It does not spin webs to catch prey.
The female woodlouse spider is larger than the male. Her big abdomen is necessary to hold the eggs.
Habits and Habitats
The woodlouse spider roams at night searching for its preferred woodlouse prey. It uses its powerful jaws like a trap to grab, crush, and devour the armored bugs. During the day, it hides out in silken retreats tucked under rocks, logs, and leaf litter where woodlice congregate.
In gardens, you may find it under plant pots, compost piles, and pieces of wet wood. It also frequents cool, damp spots in basements, crawlspaces, and cellars. Anywhere moist woodlice gather, these spiders won’t be far behind!
Bite Risks
The woodlouse spider is not aggressive, but it will bite in self-defense if threatened. Its large fangs can penetrate skin and inject mild venom containing neurotoxins.
Bites cause instant pain, swelling, redness, and itching lasting a few hours. Nausea, headache, and dizziness may occur in rare cases. Compared to black widows, its venom is far less toxic. Bites should heal fully within a day or two.
Is it a Woodlouse Spider?
To confirm you’re looking at a woodlouse spider, check for these key features:
- Oval body with a very large red abdomen
- Long fang-like front appendages designed for grabbing woodlice
- Skinny orangey-red legs with banding
- Six small eyes with the middle pair being biggest
- Lack of a web – it hunts instead
The woodlouse spider’s massive abdomen gives it a very distinctive look. Just be sure to admire its big bum from a safe distance!
More About Woodlouse Spiders
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In spring, woodlouse spiders in the Midwest mate aggressively with males risking injury from the female’s large fangs.
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Females lay up to 70 eggs in their silk retreats and guard their young. Spiderlings stay with mom before dispersing.
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Despite viral claims, their bites do not pose threats to humans but may require professional pest control help for removal.
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These spiders inhabit gardens and homes in Illinois and Indiana. Look for them in damp areas near rotting wood where woodlice gather.
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They hunt woodlice at night without webs and hide in silken retreats during the day under debris.
Closing Thoughts
The woodlouse spider’s bulbous red abdomen may give it a creepy or comical appearance. But ultimately this fascinating arachnid is harmless to us. Next time you uncover a spider with a big bum in the garden, you’ll know it’s just a shy woodlouse hunter and protective momma!
Where do woodlouse spiders live?
Woodlouse adult spiders are nocturnal and live under rocks, under loose bark, and in moss. Generally, these spiders prefer dark and humid surroundings near food supplies, including woodpiles, and garbage cans.
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Woodlouse Spider Life Cycle
The woodlouse spider overwinters in its adult form. Mating occurs in early spring with up to 70 eggs being deposited shortly thereafter. Eggs are suspended within the females silken retreat by a few strands of silk. The immature spiderlings will at first remain with the female, living in her sheltered location until they’re ready to venture out on their own.
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FAQ
Is woodlouse spider poisonous?
While woodlouse spiders are venomous, their venom is not considered dangerous to humans.
Why are there so many woodlouse spiders in my house?
Why Are Woodlouse Spiders in My House? Woodlouse spiders may enter homes in search of prey or during extreme weather conditions. They prefer rotting vegetation and wood and are most often found in basements, under stones and boards, around doors and windows, and other areas that contain rotting wood.
Is the red house spider poisonous?
Description. Nesticodes rufipes is a small red-bodied spider, venomous, but not harmful to humans. They can be extremely common inside homes, building webs in dark corners and under furniture. They have been observed preying on insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and ants.
Are red-bellied jumping spiders poisonous?
These spiders are not dangerous for humans and pets, as they don’t generally bite. But they can bite if they feel threatened or in danger of being squashed. If you are bitten, jumping spider bite symptoms tend to be mild like those of a mosquito bite, and they heal within a few hours.
What spiders have red markings?
Widow Spiders (Latrodectus) – The black widow is probably the most infamous spider with red markings. There are 5 species found in the USA & Canada. All 5 species can be black & red in color though the brown widow is usually a light brown. The red hourglass (sometimes orange) is found on the ventral side of the abdomen.
What is a red backed jumping spider?
Phidippus johnsoni, the red-backed jumping spider or Johnson jumping spider, is one of the largest and most commonly encountered jumping spiders of western North America. It is not to be confused with the unrelated and highly venomous redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti). Adults tend to be about a centimeter in length.
Are there red spiders in the House?
Red spiders in the house are typically eight-legged arachnids belonging to the genus Nesticodes. These small, red-bodied creatures are usually found lurking in dark corners, in the crevices of door frames and windows, and under furniture. However, there are also other, less common, species of red spiders that live outdoors.
What does a red-bellied jumping spider look like?
The Red-bellied Jumping spider gets its name from the coloring of its underbelly. This spider is known for being black on top. An orange-red abdomen is characteristic as are red front legs. The spider has a variable size as it grows from 7 to 12 mm in the case of females.
What is a red spider?
The araneus iviei is known for its brighter color palette; the primary color of this spider is red, although the red seen on this spider is slightly brighter; you might also describe it as orange. It is mostly found in the United States and Canada. 2. Apache Jumping Spider The Apache jumping spider is one of the most interesting red spiders.
What does a red spider look like?
A red spider can have a red cephalothorax, a red abdomen, or a uniform red body. The coloring of the legs can match the red color of the body in some spider species. Various shades of red are characteristic of spiders found in North America. Most red spiders in the US are of mixed red coloring.