Dysderidae (Woodlouse Spiders)

The Dysderidae are quite large, elongated spiders. They have six eyes which are arranged in a small circle on the forehead. During the day they hide in a small retreat under stones, and at night they go out hunting. The spiders are not very hairy and have no real markings on the abdomen. In Europe about 350 species can be found.

Genus Dysdera

The spiders of this genus have remarkably large chelicerae and fangs. As a result, they are able to capture and eat woodlice. They bite them by moving their elongated fangs between the armour plated segments of the woodlouse. Woodlice are not considered as prey by most other spiders.