Dysdera crocata
Slater-Eating Spider Identification in Australia
Reddish spider with long forward-pointing jaws and a pale grey to yellow-brown abdomen, often found in damp sheltered places.
Usually low riskSlater-eating spiders, also called woodlouse hunters, are introduced spiders that can be noticed around damp garden edges, paving and sheltered ground habitats. A reddish front body, pale grey-to-yellowish abdomen and long forward-pointing jaws are a more useful combination than colour alone. They hunt without a capture web, so compare the damp hiding place and body shape with white-tailed, sac and other ground spiders before applying a name from a photograph.
Quick identification
- Reddish upper body and legs
- Pale grey or yellow-brown cylindrical abdomen
- Large forward-pointing jaws
- Often under logs, rocks, bricks, paving or damp shelter
What to check next
Check for the reddish front half, pale abdomen and damp hiding place. It hunts slaters and does not make a prey-catching web.
When to seek medical help
A bite is not usually considered dangerous, but the large jaws can be painful. Seek advice for severe pain, swelling, infection signs, allergic symptoms or uncertainty.
Where it is usually seen
Damp sheltered ground habitats, urban gardens, old bricks, paving, rocks, logs and rubbish, especially in south-eastern Australia.