Fact sheets

Slater-eating Spider

Dysdera crocata
Family Dysderidae

Habitat and Distribution

The Slater-eating Spider, Dysdera crocata is thought to have been introduced into Australia from Europe and only occurs in the south-eastern part of the continent. It prefers to hide in sheltered, damp, ground habitats such as those provided by logs, rocks and rubbish, and is sometimes found in urban gardens under old bricks or paving. It appears that this spider has a strong aversion to ants, which may help to limit its distribution in Australia.

Identification

Dysdera crocata has a reddish upper body and legs, with a white-grey cylindrical abdomen. The fangs are quite prominent and project forward. The body length is 1.1cm (male) to 1.4cm (female).

Habits, Mating and Reproduction

The slater-eating spider gets its name for its liking for woodlice or slaters (Isopoda), which it grasps with its specially elongated fangs. It does not make a web, instead building a silken sac-like retreat in which it rests, moults and lays eggs. The female will seal herself into her retreat with her eggs until they hatch and the spiderlings are ready to disperse.

Toxicity

The bite of Dysdera crocata is not considered dangerous but the large jaws can give a painful bite and may cause local redness and swelling.