Woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata) (origin: Originally the Mediterranean and Europe, today introduced worldwide). Adult size around females 11–15 mm, males 9–10 mm body length. Life expectancy 2–4 years, individual females up to 5 years; reaching maturity alone takes around 18 months. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Woodlouse spider: How big does the enclosure need to be?
A small box ~20×20×15 cm with a stone or bark hide.
Woodlouse spider: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 18–24 °C (room temperature), at night 12–18 °C.
Woodlouse spider: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal, light-shy).
Woodlouse spider: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 2–4 years, individual females up to 5 years; reaching maturity alone takes around 18 months.
Woodlouse spider: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 18–24 °C (room temperature)
- Night temperature
- 12–18 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 60–75 % (hide slightly damp and cool)
- UVB
- No UVB needed (nocturnal, light-shy)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- a small box ~20×20×15 cm with a stone or bark hide
- Substrate
- Soil or coco humus with stones and bark, moderately damp
Feeding
- Food
- Mainly isopods (woodlice); also small insects
- Feeding interval
- 1–2×/week (1–2 isopods)
Key facts
- Adult size
- females 11–15 mm, males 9–10 mm body length
- Life expectancy
- 2–4 years, individual females up to 5 years; reaching maturity alone takes around 18 months
- Origin
- Originally the Mediterranean and Europe, today introduced worldwide
- Protection status
- Not protected; a harmless but firm nip is possible (large chelicerae)
- Brumation
- An optional cool overwintering (10–15 °C) for animals of native origin
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly – solitary and cannibalistic. The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts.
Notes
A feeding specialist on woodlice; nocturnal, hiding in a silk sac under stones and so barely visible; harmless to humans. Husbandry details are sparse in the literature.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Huntsman spider (Heteropoda venatoria) – Beginner
- Brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) – Expert
- David Bowie huntsman spider (Heteropoda davidbowie) – Intermediate
- Tube-web spider (Segestria florentina) – Intermediate
- Raft spider (Dolomedes fimbriatus) – Expert
- Segmented spider (Liphistius sp.) – Expert
- Great raft spider (Dolomedes plantarius) – Expert
- Domestic house spider (Tegenaria domestica) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (a small box ~20×20×15 cm with a stone or bark hide), substrate (Soil or coco humus with stones and bark, moderately damp), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia DE, Wikipedia EN, a-z-animals.com, eu_annex.txt (lokal), lubw.baden-wuerttemberg.de
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).