In this family, we can find two genera (Dysdera and Harpactea) with both two species in NW-Europe. These spiders vary in size between 5 and 14 mm and have an elongated body.
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Like the Oonopidae, Segestriidae and Scytodidae,
they also have six eyes. It is a sinister looking spider with two enormous
fangs. The spiders spent the day under stones, especially stones that are warmed by the sun, in a silken cell in which the female spider lays her eggs. It is an active runner. The Dysdera crocata is a cosmopolitan in the United States and usually found around buildings. She is agressive and will defend herself very quickly. Her bite can be annoying like the prick of a needle. Dysdera has a prey specialisation in woodlice. |
Genus Dysdera
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| Dysdera crocata female | Dysdera crocata male |
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| Dysdera crocata | Dysdera sp. |
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| Dysdera erythrina | Dysdera erythrina jaws |
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| Dysdera crocata jaws |
Ed Nieuwenhuys, 1 december 20008,
May 17, 2003.